Merger or alliance, what’s it to be? Quite possibly both, it would seem.
After Advantage dropped the bombshell this week that it would not be going ahead with plans for a Triton merger, news emerged of another potential alliance. Could Midconsort Elite – a consortium which not so long ago enjoyed an alliance with Worldchoice – now be a suitor for Advantage?
As it stands, Advantage remains a Triton member. The Global Travel Group and Worldchoice maintain it is business as usual. They will continue to pursue a full-scale merger and flotation within three years, while Advantage sits on the sidelines.
Advantage has its reasons for not going ahead, one of which is that initially members of the newly merged Triton will not have any shares. Behind closed doors, there could be other reasons, including personal issues – after all, there are only so many chiefs the new Triton will need.
It was obvious that three groups with such diverse philosophies would always find it hard to come together – the reason Travel Weekly took a measured approach to the news.
Global and Worldchoice bosses stress Advantage has no reason to leave, but the truth may be harder to swallow – why would Advantage stay in Triton if it’s not enjoying the full benefits of the merger?
Meanwhile, agents from all consortia partied side by side at this week’s inaugural Travel Weekly Agent Excellence Awards, launched at the Midland Travel Trade Ball.
For the winners, taking home an award could give them a vital edge over their competition. Next week you can find out more about Harvey World Travel’s Gail Lister, who won best manager for a large agency.
But don’t just read about how she did it – why not go for gold yourself? The deadline to enter the South West and Wales awards is June 8. Go to www.twawards.co.uk.