| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 12/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 72 |
| Copyright: Other |
Latest news
n first choice in talksFirst Choice has confirmed it is in takeover talks with Spanish travel firm Barcelo.The company, which is the Crawley-based operator’s ground handler in Spain, has a tour operating and retail division and is also Spain’s third largest hotel chain in terms of turnover and rooms. First Choice signed an exclusivefive-year agreement with Barcelo in 1996 and is keen to secure a deal before the contract expires next year.
n abta in gisc appeal
ABTA is still seeking to regulate its members, despite rules published by the General Insurance Standards Council last week that allow insurance intermediaries to take responsibility for agents. The ruling means agents will not have to join the GISC, which launches as a voluntary body on July 3, even if it gets Office of Fair Trading clearance to become a compulsory body. This is not expected until March next year at the earliest.
n holiday malta plan
Holiday Malta, the parent company of Belleair, is in negotiations to buydirect-sell operator The Holiday Travel Club. The Hayes-based company specialises in both inclusive tours and flight only. The Holiday Travel Club managing director Pravin Pandya confirmed discussions were taking place, while Holiday Malta refused to comment.
n trainline expansionNew trainline.com chief operating officer Richard Bowden-Doyle is looking to expand the product beyond selling domestic rail travel. The former Thomson Holidays managingdirector said there was potential to sell hotel rooms and event tickets.