RELATIONS between
the UK’s largest tour operators have broken down in a spectacular bust-up over
Airtours Holidays’ controversial advertising campaign.
Vertically
integrated rivals have retaliated to the new 2003 net pricing promotions by
clamping down on sales of MyTravel products through their retail networks. The
reaction comes as speculation increases about a split among MyTravel’s senior
management on the shift away from headline discounts.
Lunn Poly has
refused to sell all MyTravel products, while Thomas Cook staff, angered by
Airtours’ aggressive advertising campaign, are “voting with their feet” by
switch-selling where possible.