| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 12/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 1 |
| Copyright: Other |
Direct booking information
Thomson compromise rejected
TALKS between Thomson and Preferred Agents over the issue of direct booking information in brochures have hit a stalemate after retailers threw out a compromise plan by the operator.The stalled negotiations came as the market leader suggested promoting Preferred Agents, as well as direct booking numbers, on every page of its second-edition 2001 brochures.
Sales director Manuel Mascarenhas told Scottish agents of the compromise during a heated meeting at the operator’s Greater London House headquarters.
But the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association bluntly rejected the move, claiming it will do nothing to solve the crisis.
SPAA tours convenor David Geddes said: “Nothing has changed. The direct booking information will still be contained in the brochure. We don’t want it there and we do not endorse Thomson’s suggestion.
“I will sell Thomson when requested by customers but I will not rack it. We will keep talking to Thomson and hope they will see sense.”
Mascarenhas said the compromise will be discussed at board level this week but stressed direct booking information in the brochures will remain.
“We have suggested giving Preferred Agents greater prominence by saying on every price panel that customers should go to Preferred Agents for the best offers and best advice,” said Mascarenhas.
“We would also print our centralised Preferred Agent number. We believe this would be very powerful.”
A decision on the second-edition brochures will be made within two weeks.