TUI UK
bosses have been accused of sneaking out the launch of a mainstream direct-sell
brand in an attempt to avoid confrontation with agents.
Internet-only
operation Budget Holidays began taking bookings last week and is aimed at
couples and young families wanting a cheap week in the sun.
The
website www.budgetholidays.com does not feature any Thomson or TUI UK
endorsement, but does mention prices are low “because they’ve cut out the
middlemen, travel agents”.
In the
first week, 27 destinations were on offer, with prices leading in at £69 for a
week in the Costa Brava this September.