TRANSUN has quit the Truly Independent Professional Travel Organisation following a prolonged dispute over whether it would be allowed to promote Croatia to agent partners.
The operator’s decision to withdraw was originally sparked by a stand-off with fellow TIPTO member Holiday Options over which of them would represent the Croatia category (Travel Weekly, June 21 and 28).
TIPTO founder Gary David chose Holiday Options to promote Croatia initially, then announced the category would be dropped altogether in a bid to settle the dispute. That left Transun with the day trips category and Holiday Options with the Corsica and Sardinia category.
However, Transun sales director Alison Keeble claimed David had informed her company twice in writing it would be allowed to promote Croatia, but had reneged on this both times. As a result, Transun has withdrawn its membership of TIPTO.
“Broken promises, confusion among the founder members and political manoeuvring behind the scenes all left Transun with no other option,” she said.
David admitted he had made mistakes, but denied there had been any confusion.
He said that Transun had pushed for a vote to change membership classifications at a TIPTO meeting, but then found itself in a minority of one.
“I fully admit I have said things in the past and subsequent events – along with discussions with interested parties – have persuaded me to modify them. I also admit I have made mistakes. It would be amazing if it were otherwise,” said David.
“What is one miffed operator compared with the 29 who are happy, intend to spend £750,000 and who haven’t suddenly thrown a wobbly and disappeared? The hard fact is that independent agents out there don’t really care about Transun’s withdrawal.”
At present, Croatia is not represented by any TIPTO member, but David anticipates that Holiday Options will now be given the slot.