| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 13/11/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 52 |
| Copyright: Other |
Looking to the future
As most of Hamilton’s business came from London agents, Burgess Hill-based Bluebird decided to base Consolidated World Travel in an office in Euston, giving agents the freedom to visit in person if they wish.
Although new to the consolidation business, Bluebird is established as a tour operator to North America, Southern Africa and Australia. Bluebird managing director Stephen Powell said: “As we already have relationships with all the major airlines, we have been able to act as a consolidator on their behalf.”
CWT expects to be selling seats on more than 30 airlines by early next year, and it is also planning to sell car hire and accommodation in most destinations around the world. Its flights are bookable over the phone or on all the main global distribution systems, and Powell said the company plans to launch a Web site in the near future.
“We are working on a facility that will enable all agents to view our fares electronically, but we have found the best way to get the most accurate, up-to-date fares is over the phone.”
Although Hamilton had some direct business, Powell said CWT would stick to selling only through the trade.