Alliance voters justify their decisions
Yes
“The biggest benefit will be the marketing clout we will get being part of a franchise. They are talking about radio and TV advertising which we could never afford as a stand-alone.”
David Hedgcock, Pleasure and Leisure
No
“I was a most definite no. We are in the tailor-made, long-haul market and do very little mainline Airtours products and with three multiples within 300 metres of us it is not in our interest to go head-to-head against them. We have been independent since 1961 and don’t want to have to rebrand the shop.”
John Scott, Travel Bureau, voted No after he said in November he would probably back the alliance
Yes
“I think it’s brilliant. It’s the only way forward. The reason I said yes is that this is in line with my own plans to push my business forward”
David Johnston, Holidayshop
No
“We are supposed to be an independent association with better commercial terms but being tied to a major tour operator wouldn’t leave us independent.
“For the moment, we will remain with Advantage, but if it looks like we were being disadvantaged, we would look to join a different consortium.”
Elaine Williams, Access Travel
Yes
“It is an excellent way forward for independent travel agents in the face of industry consolidation.
“It will give us the leverage to negotiate better rates. A national identity will also be added to the local relationships we already have which is something the multiples do not have.
This will give us more strength in the market place than we have had before.
“As far as independence is concerned, I don’t think the franchise is any different from a travel agent favouring one operator over another because they get much more commission.”
Steve Dawson, Galaxy Travel