Cadogan Holidays’ plan to seek deals with independent agents (Travel Weekly February 17), highlights the need for action over transparency.
The Cadogan scheme, thought up by managing director Gary David, makes sense. These days, even those retailers which claim to be independent need to form some sort of alliance with one or more operators to increase their revenue.
There’s nothing wrong with this, provided the independent has faith in the operators it is promoting. But it is high time the Government acted to make the situation clear for the public.
We’ve repeatedly said it is unacceptable that the multiples have not yet had to put their ownership links on the outside of the shops. It is now over a year since the government said this would happen.
I also feel that all agents should declare their policies inside branches.
An independent which is part of a consortium or group should have a poster saying something along the lines:”We have formed an alliance with X and we are happy to recommend the products of certain operators with which we have a close working relationship.” If questioned further, staff could explain the shop policy.
That would be fair and increase the openness in our industry without harming the integrity of independents.
Do you agree?Send us your opinions.
Jeremy Skidmore – editor