Travel agents confused over the role of Triton Travel Group may get some crucial answers next week after bosses discuss the future of the superconsortium at a pivotal board meeting.
Travel agents say they have suffered lack of clarity over the role of Triton since itdropped its status as a joint buying group in April. Many admitted they did not believe Triton, with members Global Travel Group, Advantage and Worldchoice, would continue as an organisation.
New Triton board member and Worldchoice commercial director Bill Pickering said it was crucial that members see “real value” in Triton. He said Triton would have to deliver more through providing new initiatives and a stronger voice for the independent agent.
“Following Thursday’s board meeting (June 26), we need to have a clear focus that will deliver some tangible benefits for our members.”
High on the agenda will be how Triton can work with ABTA following its merger with the Federation of Tour Operators.“We must make sure the merged ABTA and FTO listens to the needs of the independent agent and do not railroad through changes,such asthe recent 10% increase in subscriptions,” said Pickering.
The group will seek to develop Triton Holidays by adding exclusive Stella products and expanding its Triton Beds product. Triton members could also benefit from access to new services following Worldchoice’s merger with the Travel Trust Association, he added.
Advantage chief executive John McEwan said: “There has been some confusion over the difference between Triton products and Triton Travel Group. We will address this at the meeting and discuss what Triton’s role will be in the future.”
Rendezvous Travel director Gabi Birbeck said: “If Triton doesn’t act as a joint buying group I’ll be interested to see what it can offer.“
However, Steve Riley, director of Worldchoice member Ashley Adams, said: “I think Triton will survive as its products are good value. My only worry is that Advantage will go its own way because we need their support. With Thomas Cook and TUI Travel expanding, we’ve got to join together and fight back.”