| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 23/04/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 5 |
| Copyright: Other |
Going upmarket: hotels in Crete have been included in Thomson’s Platinum brochure
THOMSON has continued its no discount policy at the launch of its 2002 brochures in a move that could isolate the operator from the rest of the industry.
Thomson said it will only offer tactical discounts on poor-selling properties and resorts.
Airtours, First Choice and Unijet have all said they will continue with discounts (see story page 4).
Thomson national sales manager retail Jeanne Lalley said: “We are carrying on from the fourth-edition 2001 brochure by printing prices that are more representative of the price the customer will actually pay. It’s a risk, but we believe the trade and clients want to get back to a clear pricing message. We might have tactical deals but there are no plans for a headline discount message.”
Despite rival tour operators ignoring Thomson’s appeal for an industry-wide approach to discount holidays, Lalley adopted a diplomatic stance.
“It’s a shame but they have their own strategies,” she said. “We just hope discounts won’t go as far as 70%, which will be a nonsense.”
She added that Thomson was “relatively confident” its policy would work.
“We have the right product, the right price and have built the brands to make it work,” said Lalley. “We now want agents to support it.”
In its 2002 programme, the operator has launched 11 routes from Liverpool as it aims to provide more regional flights for customers.
Thomson has also expanded its selection of upmarket Platinum hotels from Spain to Greece and Cyprus with eight new properties in Kos, Rhodes and Crete.
A Thomson Gold property – the Atlantica Imperial Beach Hotel in Rhodes – has also been added to the programme, bringing the total number of Gold properties to 21.
Offers in the brochure include reduced child prices for single parents and savings of up to £40 on the third and fourth child sharing at selected properties. An extended range of Mothercare equipment is also available.