THRIFTY UK has admitted that competition for travel agents’ business has made it harder than expected to break into the retail sector.
Last June, the company launched a club for agents, Planet Thrifty, in an attempt to raise trade bookings from just 10% of its total to 30%.
Sales and marketing director Andrew Burton said so far this has risen to 20%, with 80% of business coming direct.
“We have been surprised at just how competitive it is. Some agents are getting 20% commission and high cash incentives for each booking. We do not have the margins to match that,” added Burton.
Thrifty pays 15% commission and Planet Thrifty members also receive a ú10 voucher which can be spent at Planet Hollywood or HMV outlets for every four bookings. The club has about 100 members, mostly small independent agents who are not tied to deals with rivals such as Holiday Autos, Suncars and Alamo.