HOSEASONS has quit the Truly Independent Professional
Travel Organisation to join rival travel agent-focused operator
group BRIGHT.
BRIGHT, which stands for Bringing Real Information and
Guaranteed High Quality Training, was launched in November
2002.
Hoseasons director Yvonne Borg said it made the switch because
it was unable to promote its core UK product through TIPTO.
TIPTO rules mean Hoseasons was unable to promote its British
product – Holiday Lodges and Parks in Britain – because
rival Bourne Leisure, owner of Butlins and Haven holiday parks, has
the rights to that category.
BRIGHT rules allow the operator to promote all its products,
which includes European self-drive, boating, cottages and its UK
product, and guarantees it at least 10 minutes with every agent
that turns up to its roadshow promotions.
“I had to evaluate the cost versus the benefit,” said Borg.
“BRIGHT membership fees are substantially less than TIPTO’s.
This means it’s better value for money as we are guaranteed
time to promote all our products with all the agents who
attend.”
BRIGHT was established in November 2002 as a rival to TIPTO. The
organisation has 15 members including P&O Ferries, Mundi Color,
Peltours, Kirker Holidays and Prestige Holidays.
A TIPTO spokesman said Hoseasons’ decision would not lead
to a wholesale change of policy.
“The whole basis of TIPTO is that independent companies promote
products that do not compete,” he said.
“We have both Olympic Holidays and Amathus Holidays as members.
Both cover the same product but co-exist happily by promoting
different aspects.
“We understand Hoseasons’ stance, but it’s
unfortunate the operator could not be accommodated.”
Hoseasons has been a member of TIPTO for four years.