Conference quotes
“Vertical integration. Is it a dirty word that takes specialist companies to their grave or can these companies flourish within larger organisations?Yes they can.”
Non-franchisee Paul Chandler, Chandlers Travel
“How dare you say I have sold my soul to the devil. I joined the franchise after a lot of thought and I believe it’s the only way forward. I will still do things my way. I will always put the customers’ needs first and sell them what is suited to them. That’s what independence is all about.”
Trish Pilnick, Pilnicks Travel Service, Malvern
“It’s not always appropriate to do business through 1,200 outlets. Chris Kirker and I do not do business together but we’re great buddies. At least that’s what I think.”
Peter Shanks, distribution division managing director, Airtours UKLG
“There are no targets involved in this tie-up with Airtours. They are no more likely to emerge over time than with any other preferred operator.”
Ron Muir, managing director, Advantage Travel Centres