As the manager of a rail and coach department of an independent travel agency, I feel the rail and coach operators are not playing a fair game.
We are expected to compete and meet the targets set by our employers. However this is becomingincreasingly difficult whenGreat Western has a two for the price of one and an over-60s offer, which can only be booked at rail stations and not throughrail-appointed agents such as ourselves.
Virgin Trains with Tesco Clubcards, have a special offer for ú15 standard and ú25 first-class return, only available by booking direct through Virgin.
National Express, although we are permitted to book its offer of ú9.99 for the over-50s, this is hardly going to have us steaming towards budget.
These companies want us to sell their products and then side-swipe us with these offers, effectively removing clients and revenue with great ease. Do they really think these clients return to us? They will undoubtedly contact the companies direct to check for any more specials “notbookable through your agents’ deals”.
When I am questioned by the relevant companies, as to the reduction in their revenue through ourselves, Ihope they will have taken a long and hard look at their own contribution to the situation. By all means have special offers, but let us in on the act.
Carole Hastings, section manager, Newell’s Travel, Falmouth,Cornwall