| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 16/10/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 3 |
| Copyright: Other |
Burnell dismisses Internet fears
ROGER Burnell, the new chairman of Web site theFirstResort,has insisted the Internet will become a major distribution channel for travel, dismissing doubts by some in the industry that its success will be short-lived.
Burnell, formerly Thomson Travel Group chief operating officer, took up the post at theFirstResort this month.
Thomson has a 29% stake in the Internet company, which was launched in April.
Burnell said: “I have always been of the opinion that the Internet is a medium made for travel. You can provide much more, easily accessible, information.
“Those people saying there is no future for the Internet have to realise it is early days.
“The Internet is not going away, especially with the introduction of interactive television.
“My prediction is that businesses will be a success on the Net and will end up making money.”
Other major shareholders include netdecision, with a 69% stake and Channel 5, which holds the remaining 2% stake.
Burnell, however, claims the site is completely unbiased adding:”The only strategy for us is to offer completely impartial advice.
“The site is set up so that people can look for their holiday by date, destination orlocation.
“They will know which holiday they are buying because each operator’s logo is clearly displayed on the page,” he added.
Burnell: the Web will become a major distribution channel