| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 12/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 8 |
| Copyright: Other |
Comment
Big four opt to pump in-house promotions
T HE BIG four companies are quickly becoming direct-sell operators and that was highlighted by Airtours’ decision to move its tour operation and travel agency into one office.I don’t mean they are all bypassing travel agents but instead selling an increasing amount of product through their own channels.
If you look at how much is being pumped through their in-house chains, Teletext operations and direct-sell tour operations, there isn’t a massive amount left for everyone else.
Airtours, which has always prided itself on strength through integration, will increase its directional selling when everyone is under one roof.
Airtours Holidays managing director Richard Carrick and Going Places MDTerry Fisher will be able to work together on promotional campaigns far more easily than when they were hundreds of miles apart.
And without the physical separation of two buildings, there will be none of the them and us culture that you so often get when the offices are apart.
Of course, from a cost point of view, it all makes perfect sense for the big guys. But, as I’ve said before, it’s not necessarily great news for consumers who want genuine choice. And non-aligned retailers should increasingly be looking for other companies to offer. You don’t want your bookings to dry up when the supply of product from the big companies stops.
Jeremy Skidmore – editor