| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 29/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 4 |
| Copyright: Other |
Thomson chief outlines vision on future policy
Travel Weekly editor Jeremy Skidmore reports from the Alpha Forum conference in Hertfordshire
THOMSON Travel Group’s biggest challenges will be to integrate its culture with new owner Preussag and have a clear strategy for the future, according to chief executive Charles Gurassa.In a wide-ranging interview with industry analyst Michael East, Gurassa said he was excited about working with Preussag, which will pay £1.8bn for the operator, subject to shareholder approval, but admitted there were obstacles to overcome.
“It’s always a challenge when you bring two companies together and find out how they work,” he said.
Referring to Preussag’s plan to sell its 51% stake in Thomas Cook to satisfy regulatory authorities over its takeover, Gurassa added:”I take comfort from the fact that they’ve had some experience with Thomas Cook – that’s handy.”
He said it was important to have a clear focus on where the company is going.
“We don’t want to get bogged down in parochialism or turf wars that you so often get when companies merge.”
Gurassa claimed the deal would give customers better choice and an improved product.
“We will be able to better utilise aircraft and that will lead to cheaper prices or more investment,” he said. “We will also be able to exchange information to ensure best practice.”
He said Thomson’s relationship with agents was now far better than 18 months ago.
“I think in-house sales through Lunn Poly have gone down and I’m happy with that. I think it’s healthy because people want choice.
“I don’t believe people will come into your stores if you over directionally sell.”
Gurassa reiterated Thomson was very cautious about giving any of its products to third-party Web sites.
“I remember when British Airways was backed into a corner by global distribution systems,” he said. “We have our own Web sites and they are doing very well.
“I have people coming up to me saying they have got x million customers and they want £5m to sell my products. I just say ‘go away, I don’t need you’.”
Integration issues: Gurassa said one of the biggest challenges facing Thomson will be creating a clear strategy with Preussag