FIRST Choice is to open talks with SWIFTA as it looks to build closer links with independent agents.
The move comes just a week after the Southwest consortium voted to reject the Advantage franchise. The operator is also keen to speak to the new Scottish-only group Scottish Passenger Agent’s Retail Consortium, which is expected to get the go ahead next week.
First Choice sales director John Wimbleton said the meeting, scheduled for February 5, is part of the plan to build a partnership with its top 300 performing independent agents.
He said increased sales would be rewarded with higher commission.
“We waited until SWIFTA had decided on the Advantage proposal and approached it as soon as we heard. We will do the same with SPARC if and when it gets off the ground,” said Wimbleton.
The partnership plan replaced an earlier move to forge a strategic alliance with 250 travel agents. It was abandoned after feedback from agents (Travel Weekly December 2 1998).