ADVANTAGE and Airtours will meet for crisis talks this week in a bid to thrash out a new formula for the troubled franchise.
It follows the resignation of Advantage managing director Ron Muir who admitted the partnership has not delivered the promised benefits to members (Travel Weekly February 21).
Among the new proposals expected to be put forward by Airtours are sales targets for agents and a separate management to oversee the franchise.
Sources, however, said the Advantage board has already considered, and rejected, targets and that Thursday’s discussions will focus on how to terminate the deal.
“Targets is not something Advantage is at all comfortable with,” said one source. “Both sides are now looking for a way out.”
It is also thought that a replacement for Muir will not be appointed for at least two months.
Industry observers believe Advantage would still be in a healthy position if the franchise collapsed.
One said: “It is partially down the branding path and is gaining recognition. If other members can be persuaded to adopt the fascia, the consortium can be united again.”
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