All eyes are on Triton
IF a week is a long time in politics, how about a weekend in the travel industry? This weekend sees the first Triton conference in what is arguably the key event for the sector this year.
With the cult of multiples direct selling now taking a firm grip, how the king of the independent consortia groups responds at its showcase event is going to be crucial, not only in setting out an alternative strategy, but to the morale of independent travel agents across the country.
No pressure, but the following days are crucial for the powers that be at Triton. The industry is watching what it says, how it says it and what it can promise agents and suppliers.
Triton has been working tirelessly to come up with a strategy and a retailer offer that it hopes is second to none.
But preparation is one thing, delivering, implementing and convincing agents to back it is another.
It is not only its members that Triton needs to get on board this weekend, but its highly expectant supplier base.
However, Triton cannot take on the multiples on its own and is nothing without the grassroots support of all its members.
After all, the future of many Triton members lies in how successful the Triton model can be. Global, Advantage and Worldchoice made great strides on their own, Triton promises a whole lot more.
This weekend will go some way to determining how far it can go.
Make a stand
IT’S not just Triton that has its sights set on operators. Travel Counsellors has said it can get by without them.
Technology is empowering the independent sector to offer real alternatives to multiple selling. Independents need leadership and Triton and Travel Counsellors are offering it in spades.
It is down to individual agents whether they want to take that lead.