KICK-OFF
great start to DestinationCAMP
DestinationCamp 2012 got off to a magnificent start: with a new location for the first evening's program - the 25hours Hotel HafenCity - which served as the hub for accreditation and the GetTogether.
I had the pleasure of opening DestinationCamp again this year, before Ute Dallmaier, Vice Dean and host from the International School of Management (ISM), set the mood for the participants with current figures: "Tourism is more important than the automotive, mechanical engineering, and construction industries!". Given its significant share of the gross value added, one could certainly be confident.
The moderators and mind mappers then very entertainingly presented the six different topics and guiding principles of the sessions, which will be the subject of intensive work at today's creative and future workshop.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by Hasso von Düring, the outgoing Head of Sales for Germany. In his entertaining speech, titled "Who Holds the Power?", which had already left much room for speculation beforehand, he very frankly presented his view on the roles of market participants along the value chain: The developments of recent years led to a breakdown of classic organizer mechanisms and a disintegration of old monopolies. Today, it's almost like a swinger club - everyone with everyone, completely uninhibited.
Von Düring clearly wanted to impart some key takeaways to the audience:
- Topic Leadership. Don't try to do everything indiscriminately - but focus on one topic
- Lead Management. Address the customer adequately and don't let go
- Customer Orientation. Total and unconditional!
The last point is ultimately also the answer to the question: Who holds the power? Power lies with those who manage to adapt flexibly and agilely to customer wishes. That is, with those who can change the fastest. In his experience, this is becoming increasingly difficult for large tourism corporations.
The key to this lies in the online sector. The internet, with social media, enables companies to establish direct customer contact and learn about real needs.
We are all now looking forward to 2 exciting, creative, and results-oriented days on the ISM campus – we will keep you updated!