| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 3 |
| Copyright: Other |
Mascarenhas: demanding explanations about poor sales
Thomson prepares to drop underperforming retailers
THOMSON has held talks with preferred agents as the operator looks to axe non-performing retailers from the scheme.It has spoken to a number of agents demanding to know why targets have not been hit.
Sales director Manuel Mascarenhas said those who fail to provide a satisfactory explanation will be dropped.
The hard-line approach follows a renewed push to work only with those agents who support the operator, as exclusively revealed by Travel Weekly on July 24.
Mascarenhas said: “We have presented facts and figures to a number of agents and asked for their views on their performance.
“We want to give them an opportunity to justify themselves if sales have not been acceptable.”
He said those who have clearly failed to support the operator for no apparent reason will be axed.
He declined to reveal who has underperformed or how many were facing expulsion.
But industry observers believe it is independents who are facing the wrath of Thomson. Miniples such as Bakers Dolphin and Travelcare are thought to be safe from any action. Mascarenhas added the scheme was still workable.