I attended the inaugural meeting of TIPTO last week and would like to make a few observations.
I think a lot of people were quite disappointed. Like me, they thought they were going to hear about an opportunity to join an organisation of independent tour operators which would have the objective of strengthening the links between themselves and independent travel agents.
Speakers proceeded to tell us how threatened our businesses are by the growth of the multiples, directional selling, and the need for independents to support each other. We were all anxious to hear a solution.
It transpired that the solution was only going to be available to 20 operators with only one operator in each category. I asked the question, “if more than one applies in a certain category, who will decide which operator gets in?”Gary David clearly answered that he had started the organisation so it would be his decision.
Another operator asked Gary which category he (Cadogan) was in. Clearly there is no point in applying for this category. Likewise, the presence of John Harding of Travelscene on the panel would indicate that this slot has already gone. So why invite over 100 tour operators when the vast majority will not have a chance of joining?
My concern is that a wrong impression may have been created amongst those who did not attend, that TIPTO is to be a trade association.
The (apparent) endorsement of it by the ABTApresident and two ex-presidents of Tour Operators’ Councilonly furthered this misunderstanding.
TIPTOis a joint marketing venture to be funded by 20 tour operators who will be chosen by Gary David. No other criteria for membership was mentioned.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this and I think the £25,000 is probably good value, so why did he not simply approach 19 others that he wanted to join?
John Standley
Managing director
Travelpack
Wembley
Middlesex