It’s not surprising that Thomson wants to buy up independents and secure its distribution channels but I doubt whether that was part of the plan when it launched the Preferred Agent Scheme over a year ago.
Thomson chiefs claim the scheme has worked because up to 2,000 agents, including those it owns, have signed up. Fair enough, but it cannot have envisaged how many agents outside the scheme would turn against the company. It’s frightening how a big brand like Thomas Cook – and a much smaller one like Travelworld – can turn off the market leader in an instant. Hence the need to get some more independents on its side.
Thomson says that even after it has set up its regional brands, it will continue to sell through other agents.But after Lunn Poly, the regional brands, direct business and bookings from shareholders, there won’t be much left to go round.
Meanwhile, I can understand Thomson cutting back on some of the services on offer on a late deal, but I think it is wrong to charge for transport. A package isn’t a package without transfers included and it will be agents who get it in the neck from irate customers who have to pay the charge.
I know it’s difficult, but surely the answer is to push up the price of late deals rather than deconstructing the package. Either that or don’t pretend it’s a package.
Jeremy Skidmore – editor