I was rather disappointed to read Peakes Travel Market in Shrewsbury (Travel Weekly January 17) believes British Airways Holidays is only interested in selling directly to our customers.
As an independent tour operator, we actively support agents, set our own commercial terms and commission levels. We are not considering cutting agents’ commissions.
Throughout January, we have been running a campaign with the aim being to actually encourage customers through agency doors.
The premise behind the campaign was to communicate with consumers through a concerted advertising programme in the national press and on radio, raising awareness of ourvalue-for-money holidays and to encourage customers to visit their local travel agent.
I believe Peakes Travel Market is a member of Midconsort who were specifically named in our press advertising. This advertising involved a considerable investment from BAH and Midconsort negotiated attractive commercial terms on behalf of its members.
Mr Peakes was right in his assertion that independent agents have to have a more positive racking and selling policy.
But this time round his agency appears to have missed a golden selling opportunity by choosing not to rack or sell BAH.
Colin Whaley
Head of sales and marketing
British Airways Holidays
Crawley
West Sussex