“Everyone at ARTAC is thinking about the alliance and waiting to see what will happen. It was a good relationship with Carlson but they were not known in the UK. Thomas Cook is and we should see the results of its extra money and power. Anyone who is not alligned to a bigger organisation is going to find life very hard.”
Jim Guyatt, chairman of ARTAC Cambrian region and partner in Newtown-based Oasis International Travel
“We have only just joined ARTAC so it will be a steep learning curve for us. Of course the Thomas Cook alliance will be central to the conference but for Henderson it will be a chance to meet members and get a feel for the consortium.”
Bill Anderson, partner at Borders-based Hendersons Travel
“How the relationship will work with Thomas Cook will inevitably be the focus. There is a greater brand recognition with Thomas Cook than there was with Carlson. I am looking forward to seeing how other agents are coping in today’s market. It’s also a chance to meet the hierachy of some of the suppliers.”
Richard Dixon, managing director of Birmingham-based Yenton Travel