The current discount battle between the major multiples appears to be a course of action which, at the end of the day, will bring little advantage to the participants.
Our company offers package holidays from Bournemouth Airport to many destinations including Majorca, which we have served since 1957.
Some 40 years, ago another Bournemouth-based company, called Kentways to Majorca, opened up and we competed for some years. One January, Iheard that Kentways was going to offer 12.5% discount against our 10%.
Although competition between us was fierce – to say the least – Iphoned John Kent and said: “If you offer 12.5% discount I shall match your offer immediately.”
He agreed to drop the idea as neither of us would have benefited – this is probably anover-simplification of the problem we have today but one wonders where the multiples will finish up.
High-street travel agents trying to book clients on Thomson and Airtours holidays really have an uphill battle on their hands, but this appears to be of no concern to the tour operators responsible.
Peter JBath, Chairman, R.EBath Travel Service, Bournemouth
Dorset