In the last month we have seen some dramatic changes within the UK travel consortia arena.
Last week we announced the extension of Elite Travel Group and Advantage Travel Centres’ working relationship to join forces on many fronts, including advertising, marketing and technology, while both remain independent and owned by our members.
These are two very like-minded organisations and we have seen many synergies over the last 12 months, while sharing information and using financial services. Both parties could see the benefits of sharing best practice and using combined buying power and resources to provide the best benefits to members.
It’s time for consortia to focus on their members and the challenges of the next 12 months, rather than adopt a ‘war of memberships’. Good relationships are essential for a proactive independent sector.
The TTA/Worldchoice merger will bring changes from some of the old school methods of previous years and the business will see modernisation. Global Travel Group will continue to focus on bringing in-house tour operations to market with Stella products featuring more over next 12 months.
Supplier relationships will also be key and there will be a real focus on supporting the key business partners who support us.
There will also be a focus to address operators who try to cherry pick members’ business without commercial agreements with consortia head offices. Our members will see this is not in their interests in the long term and by supporting key partners, their bottom line will become stronger.
There will also be a close monitoring of direct-sell operations where operators undercut agents. Advantage has already been working with key partners to get a price guarantee for our membership and expect other consortia to follow.
The current climate emphasises the importance of being part of a consortium rather than the daunting prospect of agents trying to go it alone.
