WITH the exception of the information technologyindustry, most people would agree that the travel business is the most innovative and fast moving industry in this country.
So why does Noel Josephides refuse to move with the times? His analogy between purchases made by Thomson Travel Group and those made by Owners Abroad 10 years ago makes no sense to anyone who has kept up with the developments in the intervening decade (Travel Weekly February 10).
Rather than purchasing failing companies for a song, Thomson have planned their purchases carefully, based on the excellent market performance of the companies.
As we approach the 21st century, modern business thinking simply does not permit a plc to shell out ú29m for a high performing brand and then destroy it by imposing changes.
Equally, responsible operators can no longer afford to indulge in the personal thrill of living ‘by the seat of their pants’ when they have the staff and clients welfare to consider.
I have not retired and will continue to be involved with the direction of Simply Travel. I feel as passionate as ever about the company I created and I am not arrogant enough to suggest that without me at the helm it will all fall apart.
Graham Simpson
Chairman
Simply Travel
London