n thomson continues search in germany
Thomson is looking to break into the German market but is not thought to be a front runner to acquire DER, sources close to theoperator have said. The source said Thomson has not made a bid forGermany’s fourth largest operator. Thomson declined to comment. “Thomson wants to get into Germany but there are a number of interested parties which are better placed to acquire DER,” the source said. DER made £15m profit on a £2.4bn turnover last year.
n ansett and air pacific to cut commission
AIRPacific and Ansett New Zealand will join partner Qantas and cut UKcommission from 9% to 7% from August 1 (Travel Weekly June 28). Qantas is the worldwide general sales agent for the two Pacific regional carriers. The Australian airline is also a minority shareholder in Air Pacific and has been linked with a buyout of Ansett NZ.
n IGTOdirector quits UKfor israeli position
Israel Government Tourist Office director Eliezer Hod is leaving the UK to become director of domestic tourism in the Jerusalem head office. Hod, who has been at the London office for four years, will give up his post at the end of July. He will be replaced by Amnon Lipzin, who iscurrently director of special market segments division.
n irish ferries finally starts fast service
Irish Ferries has finally launched its new fast-ferry service between Dublin and Holyhead after settling a dispute with ship officers’ union SIPTU. The £26m fast-craft Jonathan Swift, which was due to start operating on June 15, began sailing on July 3. It will make three rounds trips on weekdays and four on weekends.
n See letters, page 8 and Ferryfile page 49