THOMSON has been accused of undermining travel agents in a
high profile advertising campaign to boost direct bookings.
The controversy, which could damage the operator’s
relationship with the trade, surrounds a series of national newspaper adverts.
Under the slogan ‘straight from the horse’s mouth’ the operator claims Thomson
staff can provide the best service.
Midconsort managing director Charles Eftichiou compared the campaign
to Direct Holidays’ anti-agent TV adverts, which infuriated the trade earlier
this year.
Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association tours convenor David
Geddes said: “If the best place to buy a Thomson holiday is direct, I would ask
why the company is selling through agents? One moment it talks of courting
agents, the next it is slagging us off.”
Worldchoice managing director Julian Foster dubbed the
adverts “deplorable”.
Thomson national sales manager Jeanne Lalley defended the
campaign but admitted an agent backlash had been anticipated.
“We did not expect this to be popular but we have been
upfront.
“Agents, including Lunn Poly, deal with a number of different
operators. It is logical to assume Thomson staff know the product better.”