Summary of points made to the BAR Candidates' Forum on 3 September 2008

Paul Zimmerman - Executive Director of Jebsen Travel and Pacific Aviation Marketing – wholesaler, GSA, PSA, Cargo Agent - for over 30 airlines through our network of 17 offices in Hong Kong and China.

Growth – We need to continue expanding the airport capacity, add high speed transport links to the neighbouring areas, and add new routes. We support a liberal aviation policy, but caution that dramatic changes will depend on access of the USA market. We need to reduce cost of using the airport and I’m opposed to privatisation as this will increase cost and reduce flexibility. We support the competition (anti-trust) law but the drafting needs great care to avoid unnecessary cost for the industry and must respect Hong Kong as a small city-state.

Harmony – As airlines are experimenting with the internet and direct sales to reduce GDS and distribution cost, and on-line platforms enter the fray, the agency world is in a state of flux. As industry leaders we need to communicate and manage the gradual change from a commission to a fee-based business model for agents. At the same time, airlines recognize that agents will ALWAYS be one of the channels, and that they need a quality level of service and support.

Industry ‘Infrastructure’ – As industry leaders we need to make sure that the bridge between airlines and agents works. Ongoing incidents demonstrate and the level of frustration in the trade demonstrates that the institutions of the travel industry need to be reviewed. The conflicting role of the TIC, as both regulator and trade representative, renders this organization an ineffective link.

Hong Kong – Our city can be the most exciting hub and destination for travelers. We need a focus on making sure business and transit visitors come back with their family and stay an extra day. This require Hong Kong to diversify beyond ‘shopping paradise’, make the city a more pleasant pedestrian experience, and make its natural assets (harbour, reservoirs, mountains, seas) more accessible to visitors.

Industry support – As a member of the pan-democrats, I will add an expected 21 seats to support tourism and travel trade initiatives in LegCo. I will open up the current small circle support for our industry. As my voters include all - inbound and outbound agencies, small and large, and airlines and hotels – I’m in the ideal position to bring harmony, manage change and further the cause of all airlines in Hong Kong.