| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
Advantage and ARTAC face fight to retain retailers as US company plans UKlaunch
Consortiums battle for agents as Travelsavers plans UK move
Report by STEVEJONES
ADVANTAGE Travel Centres and ARTAC are facing a battle to retain their best agents as new US consortium Travelsavers prepares to launch in the UK.As revealed by Travel Weekly in April, the New York-based marketing company is set to start operations in September with a membership target of 500-600 agents. (Travel Weekly April 17).
New managing director Ken McLeod, who will take up his post next months, admitted Travelsavers would look to poach the strongest members from Advantage and ARTAC.
“I believe Travelsavers can bring something new to the UK,” said McLeod.
“It is run by true marketing people with years of experience. Operators have reacted very positively and have seen it work successfully in other countries.
“We are not declaring war on Advantage or ARTAC or any other consortium but clearly we want the strongest agents from around the country.
“We are looking to develop a network of 500-600 agents but of more importance is the quality.”
McLeod said only agents who can demonstrate their willingness to support preferred operators will be appointed.
“We do not want agents who want the benefits but are not prepared to work for them,” he said.
“There will be a strict vetting procedure which is partly why we believe operators will want to work with us.”
McLeod said regional deals could be struck with operators, as opposed to a single deal for the entire organisation.
Travelsavers, which will be based in Mayfair, plans to develop ‘territories’ with each member having a catchment area of around 25,000 people.
Benefits include an exclusive travel directory with reduced rates, a travel club to convert corporate customers to leisure, a 24hr helpline and also a training programme.
McLeod said subscription rates would not be onerous although details had yet to be finalised.
Poaching ground: the New York-based marketing company is targeting up to 600 agents to join its new UK consortium