FTG’s general manager John Willson told delegates at the group’s 2026 frontliners conference in Auckland over the weekend that it was important to embrace AI. To not do so would risk being left behind.
However, in a time when geo-political uncertainty is identified in surveys as the number one headwind for the industry, knowledgeable travel advisors have an important role to play, Willson notes.
‘There is a lot of volatility but people are still travelling. Confidence is the most important currency and that is about where we can steer a customer when they are making choices. They are not looking for the cheapest option, they are looking for the right one.’
He says that is where an event like the conference (with a theme of Hive – Connect, Learn and Thrive) comes into its own.
‘The future doesn’t belong to the cheapest or the biggest agency – it belongs to people who keep on learning.’
The conference started on Friday night with a networking function (which included a musical bingo competition) sponsored by Qantas and continued into Saturday with presentations and supplier booth session. Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines were Diamond Sponsors of the event. A gala dinner and awards night wrapped up proceedings on Saturday night.
Some 130 delegates (including suppliers) attended the conference and Willson says the group of just over 30 members (approximately two thirds YOU Travel and Cruise and the others independent agencies) is in a strong position. ‘Our members are quality, high yielding agents and that’s definitely where we want to sit.’
