MYTRAVEL
is refocusing on its shops to build up sales in a drive which could lead to
commercial deals to sell more rival operator product.
The
company aims to have half-a-million holidays left to sell by next May following
its strategy to sell more holidays earlier. It has also set out new criteria
for giving third-party operators preferred status through Going Places and
Travelworld.
The
decision will be made on an “integrated company basis” but could mean working
more closely with Thomas Cook, Thomson and First Choice.
Steve
Endacott, who has become managing director distribution and charter tour
operations, said: “We do sell each other but we do not actively support each
other. That could change.”
He
added: “Decisions should be based on the requirements of the tour operator and
retailer, not just on commission.
“I’m
looking at what operators can offer us. We still want to sell via independent
chains but our own shops will be used a lot more.”
The
move could also see Libra Holidays sold through Going Places for the first
time. Endacott admitted Libra’s ‘lates’ holidays could be sold through
MyTravel’s Holidayline call centre or Going Places, depending on a deal with
its sister company Excel Airways.
“We’re
looking into buying seats on Excel. If it comes to fruition, Libra may be sold
through Going Places,” he said.
Endacott
said his initial focus would be to work the shops harder. MyTravel’s latest
trading statement said in-house sales were at 81% for next summer.
But
Endacott said he was happy with average in-house sales of 60%-70%.