Agents give mixed reaction to JMC

First anniversary

Agents give mixed reaction to JMC

INDEPENDENT agents have given JMC a mixed response when quizzed on the success of the operator and airline a year after it was formed.

The company was launched in a blaze of publicity as a replacement for Sunworld, Sunset, Flying Colours and Caledonian Airways. Retailers have praised the company for offering free pre-bookable seats, late deals with named accommodation and for consulting with agents. But many said changes had been cosmetic and JMC’s advertising campaign, pledging to ‘unwrap the package holiday’, had confused holidaymakers.

Alison Woodrow of Addison Travel, Manchester, said problems with the Club Aguamar in Majorca had not helped. Sandra Sanders of John Smith Travel, Hertfordshire, said: “When clients find out about the free pre-bookable seats, it is an added bonus but not an incentive to book.”

Jane Wright of Apple Travel Agency in east London agreed with John Searle of Reigate Travel, Surrey, that clients liked the increase in late deals with named accommodation but added: “It’s dubious whether the brochures are an improvement.”

Karen Stewart of Stewart Travel, Ayr, who sits on one of seven regional groups set up by JMCto forge closer ties with agents, said the changes had been positive and the agent panel “a first”.

JMC sales director Denis Wormwell said: “A good service is invisible. The relationship we are building with the customer is a long-term thing.”

n See Club Aguamar story, page 4 andComment, page 8