Travel Weekly asked Worldchoice and Travel Trust Association members for their views on the proposed deal.
“We may have lost some ground because of the time we have waited to see which deal was going ahead, but if they can offer the best deals so that we can compete, you couldn’t ask for more. Let’s wait and see.”
John Garbutt, owner/managing director, Thorpe Travel, Norwich (Worldchoice)
“I am even keener on this deal than the Stella one because everybody wins: members, shareholders and staff. It retains a greater degree of identity for Worldchoice but gives it what it needs – membership of a larger group of agents.”
Chris Bailey, managing director, Bailey’s Travel, Bletchley, Milton Keynes (Worldchoice)
“It will make us a stronger consortium. Let’s hope it sees more buying power. There is an opportunity for TTA members to have the Worldchoice brand incorporated into their logos. That would be really positive.”
Helen Doyle, managing director, Perfect Weddings and Honeymoons, Chasetown, Staffordshire (TTA)
“Anything that the TTA can do to offer us more strength has got to be a good thing. I come from a compliance background and we could also get a bigger compliance department if we had a bigger business.”
Graham Butler, director, Halcyon Holiday Company, Maidstone, Kent (TTA)