32: Richard Hurd-Wood (Virgin Experience Days)

In this episode of RLI Talks, Jayne Rafter (Publisher of RLI) speaks to Richard Hurd-Wood, CEO of Virgin Experience Days. Of course, the last twelve months has presented its challenges to Richard and his team as most of the partners they work with have had to close their doors - however, it has also presented new opportunities and Richard talks about how the Virgin team have worked with their suppliers to establish new digital or at home experiences throughout the pandemic. He also talks about the future, and how this summer could be the busiest summer yet for his brand and for those who offer experiences - we've all been able to buy things, but we haven't been able to do things - and he believes that desire is very much there from a customer point of view to enjoy themselves. In a way, the restrictions on international travel could benefit the domestic market in experiences as people spend the money they might have spent on a holiday on days or weekend trips in the UK instead.

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Retail & Leisure International are proud to be one of the industry’s most recognisable brands, the RLI name synonymous for connecting the world of retail and leisure. No matter who you speak to, it is a brand that evokes reaction and stimulates conversation. In today’s world, this is immensely powerful. Powerful because in a time when we are divided, communication is what we need the most. Over the past 15 years, we’ve become far more than a magazine and at times like this you have to forge ahead and make room for the future. So we’re turning our attention to achieving our mission in the most effective and impactful way we can: to continue connecting the world of retail and leisure across all our platforms. We hope that you enjoy our weekly interviews with retail leaders around the world sharing their insights and secrets to success.