The Elite Travel Group is stepping up its recruitment drive as the Worldchoice merger with the Travel Trust Association approaches.
The consortium is seeking to recruit 50 members over the next three years and expects a number of these to come from Worldchoice.
Elite marketing and public relations director Peter Buckell said: “We know a lot of Worldchoice members are interested but are waiting to see what happens with the merger. Now we are contacting them and following this up.”
The tough economic conditions will also drive agents to consider their options, he added.
“At £700 a year, Elite is the cheapest consortium to join, and with the credit crunch and recent hikes in ABTA subscriptions, people will be looking for the best deal.”
Meanwhile, the group has decided not to replace general manager Nigel Ham, who resigned recently. Existing staff will be promoted and they will have more support from the directors.
Business development manager Julie Franklin will take on the position of commercial manager, supported by Sue York as commercial assistant.
Marketing and events manager Wendy Albutt will become office manager.
In her new role, Franklin will be tasked with cutting the number of suppliers down from 150 to 100. “We will only be working with suppliers who support us and get rid of those that undercut us,” said Buckell.
Meanwhile, Elite has announced it will be holding an Entrepreneurs’ Bootcamp at its annual conference in Lanzarote from October 18 to 19.
Business author Robert Ashton will give agents advice on how to survive and prosper during the credit crunch.