BTI IN GLOBAL MOVE
Business Travel International has strengthened its global presence after parent company Hogg Robinson formed an alliance with BCD Holdings. The Dutch company has business interests in travel and financial services including World Travel International which has business travel and technology divisions.
OLYMPIC STAFF STRIKE
Olympic Airways staff have gone on strike over British Airways’ contract to manage the national carrier. The action led to the cancellation of some Heathrow-Athens flights last Wednesday and Thursday. Sales and marketing manager UK and Ireland Tom Savva said: “Staff are worried about jobs and the reduction of unprofitable routes.”
CLUB MED INCOME LIFT
Club Med achieved an income of £16.54m during the first six months of 1999, an increase of 25% on the previous year. However, the company blamed the Asian crisis, lower capacity in north America and the effects of rationalisation for achieving only a slight increase in operating profit during the same period – £2.4m in 1999 compared to £2.36m last year.
ABTA RESIGNATIONS
Thomson’s former director of new businesses William Burton and ex-Magic Travel Group managing director Jackie Kernaghan have both resigned from ABTA’s Tour Operators’ Council creating two vacancies in Band D. It is understood both companies will nominate stand-ins to fill the vacancies. Nominations for a permanent seat on the council should be sent to Newman Street by July 13.