Triton considers new communication tools

THE Triton Travel Group is investigating new ways of communicating with members, from voiceover Internet Protocol conferencing to webcasts.

The three consortia are looking at how to work together more closely to keep members up to date, with new initiatives planned for the next three months. Worldchoice is to trial voiceover Internet Protocol conferencing with members in the next month which will allow head office to talk to members over the web. If successful, this could be rolled out Triton-wide.

Worldchoice and Triton chairman Colin Heal said: “We’re adopting a new system so I can speak to every Worldchoice member in one go and they can speak back to me. You cannot get to every regional meeting so this could be more effective.”

Meanwhile, Global Travel Group founder and Triton consultant George Begg admitted webcasts are also being considered. “We want to maximise the use of technology. We are looking at webcasts for Triton members,” he said.

Global’s current newsletter Independent Travel News could also be converted into a Triton News magazine for all members.

Meanwhile, more Triton regional meetings are planned. Already consortia have different communication mechanisms, from regional to face-to-face meetings and intranet news updates. Training is being bolstered with sessions for Triton agents rather than separate consortia. Begg added: “We’ve never had so many messages to communicate.”

Heal added: “There is no doubt one of the things we have to do is training – it’s key.”

Meanwhile, Triton bosses dismissed plans for a complete merger in the forseeable future, although admitted they can “never say never”.

Advantage managing director John McEwan said: “We can achieve our objectives without a merger. Mergers are incredibly complex.”