| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 25/09/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 3 |
| Copyright: Other |
Agents pledge to fight U-turn on direct sales
AGENTS have vowed to vigorously fight any attempt by Airtours to reintroduce direct-booking information in brochures.
The operator is expected to bring back the numbers for its third-edition programmes after managing director Richard Carrick accused retailers of breaking their pledge to increase sales (Travel Weekly September 18).
Advantage Travel Centres president Roger Smith said the consortium will recommend deracking Airtours brochures if it carries out its threat.
Advantage sales and marketing director Colin O’Neill said it could even threaten its overbranded brochure arrangement with Airtours.
The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, which has spearheaded the crusade against numbers, pledged to fight any move by Airtours to reintroduce direct information.
SPAA tours convenor David Geddes said: “It’s a great shame than when the market is flat, Airtours still expects us to pull a rabbit out of the hat.”
The operator will take a decision at the start of next month.