The industry is looking forward to a good summer of bookings. ‘Especially with the holiday allowance in your pocket, which will provide an extra boost.’ This was stated by Frank Radstake, who will succeed Frank Oostdam as ANVR director on 1 July, during the well-attended Travel Trade BBQ at the Beach organised by ANVR and Schiphol on Thursday evening. Around 300 industry members came to Club Cabo in Zandvoort for the traditional BBQ that was held for the first time ten years ago. It was not the tenth edition, because some editions were cancelled due to corona. Although he is not yet formally a director of the ANVR, Radstake spoke on behalf of the trade association, after he was announced by ANVR chairman Arjan Kers (TUI). Radstake mentioned collaboration and innovation as the keywords for the future. He called the recent collapse of ‘a major German tour operator’, referring of course to FTI, not good for consumer confidence. Other parties have now largely taken over the bookings, which he says has once again shown the resilience of the sector. This is not possible without cooperation. Patricia Vitalis, who hosted Schiphol for the second time during the BBQ, also declared that she was optimistic about going into the summer. According to her, the May holidays have shown that Schiphol can handle the crowds. During the May holidays, the national airport handled an average of 71,000 passengers per day. ‘Schiphol is also doing well thanks to cooperation.’ Finally, Vitalis called Frank Oostdam forward and presented him with an artistic Delft Blue farewell gift on behalf of him. As is well known, Oostdam is saying goodbye after 17 years as director of the ANVR. His farewell reception will be held on Thursday 27 June, from 16:00 to 18:00 in Kasteel Hooge Vuursche in Baarn. You can still register via ikkomook@anvr.nl, explained Radstake, who seized the opportunity to immediately promote the ANVR congress in Oman (Wednesday 13 to Sunday 17 November). You can register for this via Anvrcongres2024.nlPhoto: Patricia Vitalis (Schiphol) with Frank Oostdam (the departing ANVR director) and his successor Frank Radstake (as of 1 July).
