INDEPENDENT
agents have entered 2003 ready to take on the multiples after consortia
Worldchoice and the Travel Trust Association united to form the industry’s
largest-ever alliance.
The
independent ‘super power’, which boasts a membership of 1,200, has been formed
specifically to give independents a more powerful platform in the industry and
stave off attacks from rival consortia trying to entice members away.
And
the new group – informally known as the Independent Travel Agents’ Alliance –
could see its ranks swelled further after Midconsort confirmed it is also in
talks to join.
Founders
claim the alliance will allow the groups to work together on commercial and
marketing deals, training, technology, financial and membership initiatives and
could lead to joint conferences by next year.
Its
size means it will be larger than any of the multiples or other consortia and
will give it a stronger voice when negotiating with suppliers.