CADOGAN Holidays managing director Gary David has shut down his direct-sell operation after being branded a hypocrite by agents.
High-street retailers claim the operation, Island Sun Direct, a trading name of Cadogan and run by a friend of David’s, offered discounted holidays directly to the customer and robbed agents of business (Travel Weekly June 14).
David has responded by axeing the brand which he acquired in 1997 as part ofJersey specialist Sunblessed Holidays.
The controversy surrounded an Island Sun Internet site page which was linked directly into Cadogan’s own site.
Expert Travel managing director Simon Israel said he lost a booking to Island Sun Direct and accused David, a fierce vocal supporter of independent agents, of hypocrisy.
He said: “How can David expect support from independent agencies if clients are going to be encouraged and directed to other retailers through their own Web site?”
David immediately withdrew the page from his Internet site and dropped the Island Sun trading name.
David said:”I totally accept Israel’s comments and anger.
“I have sent him the commission for the lost booking to show I took his annoyance seriously.
“Island Sun was only a trading name of Cadogan and sold holidays for many operators. I would be very surprised if 20 bookings were made with Cadogan.”
He stressed Cadogan is committed to agents and said 95% of business is through the trade.
However, Island Sun Direct director Harry Cook is far from happy with the situation.
He told Travel Weekly:”Cadogan informed me I can no longer sell its holidays nor will I be allowed to continue to use the trading name.
“While I am hardly pleased about this decision I have to accept it.”
He said operators should be allowed to explore every distribution avenue without fear of criticism.