Following the acquisition of Simply Travel by the Thomson Travel Group last week (Travel Weekly February 3), I made a point of talking to many of the independent agents who have supported us so loyally over the years. I was touched by the positive reaction we received, but as a number of agents raised the same questions, I would like to clarify a few points.
We do not sell any of our products through Going Places, Lunn Poly or Thomas Cook. We control all our own commission rates. We remain committed to the independent agents who have helped make our business the success it is.
Less than two years ago the Campaign for Real Travel Agents chose Simply Travel as its favourite tour operator by a huge margin. Comments made included “good product, good attitude” and “commission paid on direct bookings which arrive on stamped booking forms”. Our acquisition by Thomson Travel Group marks a change of ownership but not a change of ethos. The quality of our product remains unrivalled and we continue to enjoy both a high media profile and the respect of the travelling public. All we ask is that you continue to have faith in Simply Travel and allow us to prove that nothing has changed.
Graham Simpson
Simply Travel
London