ARTAC chairman Colin Heal called on agents to commit to the Worldchoice brand as he revealed plans to build membership to 1,000 outlets within two years.
In his closing speech at the consortium’s Jersey conference, Heal also urged the current 700 members to support operators who support them.
However, he echoed the words of Thomas Cook retail managing director Andrew Windsor, by insisting members would not be pressured on sales.
“For true success we need commitment to our organisation, commitment to the Thomas Cook alliance and, above all, commitment to the brand,” Heal told delegates. “My vision is to see Worldchoice become the leading brand for independents.”
Heal said membership will grow by recruiting “productive agents who are willing to support the brand.”
He said: “The alliance will achieve things no individual agent or consortium ever could.”
Heal added it would not affect its relationships with independent operators and also questioned the need for TIPTO- Truly Independent Professional Tour Operators – the organisation being set-up by Cadogan Holidays managing director Gary David.