MIDCONSORT is to target non-franchised Advantage members as part of its plans to have 200 shop members by the end of the year.
Chief executive Sue Foxall said the Midlands-based consortium can start recruiting disgruntled non-franchise members following the Advantage vote. Midconsort currently has 83 members and 127 shops.
“I didn’t want to interfere before the Advantage vote but now agents have made up their minds, I can start recruiting. I can promise those who are considering joining Midconsort that we will never align to any tour operator,” she said.
The consortium is targeting agents in Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
Foxall is also looking to stage Midconsort’s first overseas conference in October in Palma, Majorca.
“All agents not part of a consortium will be invited. I have contacted members and if 50 are supportive it will go ahead,” she added.
Meanwhile, the consortium is close to becoming a Thomson Preferred Agent despite already being part of Airtours’ Partnership in Profit.
“I am confident we can hit targets for both operators without jeopardising our independent tag,” said Foxall.