Report by Jane Archer
THOMSON is asking Preferred Agents to hand over their
clients’ details so call centre staff can phone them and suggest they buy car
rental, excursions and other holiday add-ons.
Thomson is understood to be keen to start the scheme after
the new year peak-booking period. It would allow call-centre staff to tell
clients about any extras they can buy and direct them back to their preferred agent
to book.
They will also use the information to follow up direct
mailings to clients in the agents’ name.
A spokeswoman emphasised that Thomson staff would be calling
on the agents’ behalf and would not sell either the holiday or the extras
themselves. The scheme would be voluntary.
“It is designed to encourage clients to go back to their
preferred agent,” she added.