MIDCONSORT has launched a Web site and unveiled a new look in an attempt to compete with rival consortia and tap into the technological age.
Members were also urged to set up their own Internet sites as a further way of protecting their long-term business.
Midconsort director John O’Leary, from Leicester-based Millington Travel, said: “We are being attacked from all sides as every Tom, Dick and Harry gets in on our business. One of the biggest challenges we have is the Internet. We need to compete and this is one way we can do this.”
The site has been developed in association with the University of Central Englandand contains details of the member agencies and a page for agents to swap views.
Under an agreement with the university, Midconsort members will be able to build their own site within 30mins at no charge.
Midconsort chief executive Sue Foxall said:”We strongly advise members to take advantage of this. We have come a long way and this will further enhance our progress not only as a consortium, but also as individual businesses.”
During an address to delegates, Foxall also took a swipe at Advantage Travel Centres and ARTAC by claiming Midconsort is “the only true independent consortium”.
Launching the new look, Martin Ison, managing director of Wide Horizon Travel in Tamworth and a Midconsort director, said it needed to modernise its logo and take it more upmarket.
The possibility of changing the name was rejected after deciding it had widespread trade recognition, he added.
“We discussed changing the name but we decided there was no real need to. We have repackaged it instead,” said Ison. He also unveiled a series of Midconsort branded travel items including ticket wallets and luggage labels.