AGENTS are divided over whether JMCis delivering its promise of transforming the package holiday.
A survey conducted by the operator revealed that 51% of agents agree that JMC is changing the face of the package holiday compared to rivals. But 49% remain unconvinced with 7% actively disagreeing that the operator is ahead of the game.
Almost nine out of 10 agents said the free pre-bookable seats were a useful sales tool.
The questionnaire was answered by 3,000 agents, 50% of which were independent, 33% Thomas Cook and 13% Lunn Poly.
JMC will use the survey results to select seven regional agent panels each comprising up to 14 members.
The panels, which begin on March 8, will concentrate on improving areas of the business criticised by agents including product training of which 70% said could be better.
The study has led to the restructuring of the operator’s sales team with Ian Derbyshire, formerly of Holiday Autos, becoming director of sales responsible for the day-to-day running of the sales team.
The team will be split into three regions with the north being headed by Graham Oswald, the south by Caroline Fitzgerald and central by Roger Gray.
Head of seat-only sales Phil Norris will focus on the new travel agent panels along with agent training. Head of specialist product sales Michelle Harris will look at developing relationships with non-high-street business.
Sales director Denis Wormwell, who will shortly be given an expanded role, said: “We have implemented changes where agents highlighted problems.”