| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 24/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 8 |
| Copyright: Other |
Latest addition could just dilute the format
N ew US consortium Travelsavers reckons it can attract up to 600 agents when it enters the UKmarket.Good luck – but independents need another consortium like they need a hole in the head.
There’s already far too many of them around. Strip away the flannel and the basic job of a consortium is to get good deals for members in return for promoting certain companies. The more strong, focused members you’ve got, the better deals you’ll get for members.
A new consortium will just dilute the picture further. Suppose Travelsavers does pinch some agents from ARTAC and Advantage. We could end up with three fairly weak consortia with no teeth rather than one or two strong ones.
Travelsavers will have an uphill struggle to match the other consortia because I can’t imagine suppliers are going to give deals until they know there are a guaranteed number of members which can deliver results. At least Travelsavers is right to only court agents which can demonstrate their willingness to support preferred operators. Too many suppliers claim that they offer consortia extra cash but do not get the extra bookings in return.
But I think it would be far better to join forces with an existing consortium to make it stronger, rather than diluting everyone’s buying power. If, as Travelsavers claims, it brings something new to the market, I’ll take my hat off.
Jeremy Skidmore – editor