You gave considerable prominence to the comments of Nicky, Chris and Neale of The Travel Shop, Stonehouse,Gloucester regarding the suggested preparation of itineraries by consolidators (Travel Weekly August 2).
It is fair to point out that the supplying of detailed travel information is the province of the travel agent who is under contract to the purchaser of the ticket. There is no privity of contract between the purchaser of a ticket and a consolidator. As Hamilton Travel rightly pointed out, if they undertake the work which is properly that of the travel agent they would have to employ extra staff resulting in an increase in overheads and in fares.Hamilton Travel is probably one of the most competitive consolidators in the industry. Let us keep it that way.
As regards involving ABTA – this is a voluntary organisation and can only enforce rules on its members. Neither travel agents or consolidators are under compulsion to be members of ABTA. Furthermore when it comes to commercial decisions of their own members ABTA has no influence whatever.
Barbara Hicks
Barbara Hicks Air Travel
Cardiff