Over 150 representatives of business travel management leader Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s (CWT) EMEA and Latin America regions attended a recent CWT conference on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

A key element of the conference, themed New Heights, was an Industry focus session, moderated by Al Jazeera news presenter Darren Jordon, who invited a number of industry leaders to take part in a series of Q&A sessions and provide their insights on the issues that affect the business travel industry.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways chief executive officer, focused on a range of topics including Etihad’s strategy on surviving and outperforming the global recession; the changes that have taken place in consumer behaviour; and the importance of listening to customers and providing them with the services they want.

“For companies to survive they need to focus less on how unfair they perceive the world to be, and more on how to adapt to take advantage of emerging opportunities and changing operating conditions,” Hogan said.

“We concentrate on providing our customers with the very best products and service, both on the ground and in the air. We listened to our customers, which is why Etihad has become increasingly popular with both the corporate and business traveller.”

Hakan Ericsson, president EMEA and Latin America, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, said: “We were delighted that James Hogan and the other selected speakers were able to take part.”

“Their insight is invaluable and will help us immensely in developing our global strategy and stimulating debate and understanding of the biggest issues and opportunities in the future.” He concluded.

The 150 CWT delegates together manage in excess of $11billion in annual traffic, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service