Triton is to make its Triton Search dynamic packaging system free to all members at a cost of £500,000 following a rethink by its directors
Director Andrew Botterill denied the change of heart was to woo the 12% of members yet to register, saying it will help agents compete and save them the £15 per terminal they would have had to pay.
He said: “It is an investment in our members to give them further access to product that’s relevant – and we are saving our members’ money, whatever the cost to us.”
Meanwhile, Botterill said negotiations were continuing with “a couple” of accommodation-only suppliers to ensure they are meeting Triton’s insistence they act as the principal in all bookings. Negotiations should be resolved by next week.
Fellow Triton director John McEwan revealed deals have been signed with 145 tour operator suppliers for 2007.
He said around 73% of all of Triton’s business this year was handled by the consortium’s 60 elite and preferred suppliers and predicted this could rise to 80% this year.
McEwan said: “I do not expect it to be higher as you’ll always have demands for product outside the core suppliers.”
Chairman Colin Heal added Triton is going green and will charge each member £3 for carbon off-setting to attend next year’s conference, while information will be sent to shops about ways they can help the environment.
He said: “With over 2,000 shops, we can make the biggest impact out of any group of shops.”