AIRTOURS development and distribution director Tony Bennett has passionately defended the group’s proposed tie-up with Advantage and claimed the details of the deal were now being effectively communicated to independents.
In response to Travel Weekly’s Comment last week, Bennett claimed it was unfair to say the proposal had been mishandled.
He said Airtours had shown a willingness to listen to agents by withdrawing demands such as charging for joining the franchise and fines for failing to hit sales targets.
“The reaction to those elements did cause surprise,” said Bennett. “But usually big companies are accused of being arrogant and refusing to listen to smaller companies. We have done the opposite. Of course we would have preferred not to make changes, but it is far better this way than to let the deal go to the grave.”
Bennett claimed criticisms of the dress code, which include covering up tattoos, limiting earrings and keeping nail varnish intact, were also unfair as they were meant to be best practice advice, rather than rules.
Eight Advantage members also faxed our offices to complain we were unfairly critical of the tie-up.
Meanwhile, more than two dozen agents have signed up for the franchise with a fortnight to go until the January 29 deadline.
David Hedgcock from Newcastle-based Pleasure and Leisure Travel, one of the latest to sign, said: “One of the biggest benefits will be the marketing. I can’t afford to advertise even regionally and under the franchise I will get national exposure.”
Tie-up: Bennett, right, with John Tindale, Advantage sales development manager for the North of England, Nicky Mead, Matchmaker team co-ordinator, centre back, and Advantage agent Kale Slinger, seated
Bennett counters criticism of Advantage tie-up