| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 11/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 3 |
| Copyright: Other |
SPAAlambasts ABTAover direct-booking fiasco
THE Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association has criticised ABTA for failing to clamp down on operators putting direct-booking numbers in brochures.
The attack comes as the SPAA and Thomson reached stalemate in their latest round of talks in Glasgow, attended for the first time by Thomson Holidays managing director Shaun Powell.
Although Newman Street is set to issue guidelines urging operators to give equal space to promoting agents and direct information, SPAA tours convenor David Geddes said firmer action is needed.
“Guidelines are a waste of time,” he said. “If ABTA cannot stand up and represent the interest of grassroots members then it’s a pretty sad day.”
Geddes described talks with Thomson as tense and confessed there was no immediate prospect of direct numbers disappearing from brochures.
He said: “But we have the backing of the major consortia which is giving us additional strength.”
* See back page story on Bridge Travel