WEST Country consortium SWIFTA has blamed a lack of trust and broken promises for its decision to reject the Advantage franchise plan.
Nearly every member said they would not be joining the franchise after surprise and controversial elements appeared in the prospectus (Travel Weekly January 6).
Even though the ú15 low-volume booking fee and a fine for underperforming agents have been removed, members say they have lost faith in the Advantage management.
SWIFTA chairman Simon Maunder said: “The introduction of these elements, followed by immediate capitulation, has led to a feeling of reduced trust.
“There was also a promise that a business plan would be attached to the franchise agreement. This has not been fulfiled and has lead members to be suspicious of future direction.”
Maunder said SWIFTA will remain within Advantage and has opened up membership to all Southwest agents.
“With an enlarged organisation we will have greater influence with regional operators,” he said.
Advantage commercial director Neil Armorgie said the news was disappointing and confessed it was a mistake to include the clauses.
“The franchise would have run smoother without them,” he said. “We did not want them included in the first place as we had said nothing to members about them before.
“We promised agents they would have the prospectus before Christmas and so did not have time to negotiate with [franchising partner] UKLG. As far as the business plan goes, it is impossible to have one without knowing how many agents are going to sign.”
Armogie urged agents not to lose faith. “The voting rights have been arranged so nothing radical can be introduced without their say so.”