By Lydia Wilson
ADVANTAGE Focus Group members have reported an increase in
revenue taken for airline bookings during the first five months of this year,
up 11.7% on the same period last year.
Focus Group chairman Pete Reglar believes the reason for the
rise – 4% above the increase in passenger traffic, according to BAA figures –
lies in a conscious decision by business travellers to move their custom from multiples
to independent agents.
“I think one of the reasons our members are performing so
well is that corporates and business travellers recognise the benefits of using
an independent agent,” he claimed. “We are seeing an increasing number of
companies choosing our members to make their travel arrangements.”