Campaign for Real Travel Agents chairman Chris Kirker has blasted the multiples, describing them as “mass-market mediocrity merchants”.
Speaking at the first CARTA conference in Gibraltar, Kirker claimed unlike the multiples his members provided real choice for the holiday-buying public.
He said CARTA members had the opportunity to spread the message that the only place the consumer can buy a holiday is through an independent agent recommended by the Association of Independent Tour Operators.
He also slammed Thomson and Airtoursfor claiming its tour operator brands wereindependent.
“It is sham. We have to make the public aware what a sham it is,” blasted Kirker.
n CARTAconference report, page 26