| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/04/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
Travelsavers UK launch steps up consortium competition
A US agents’ consortium is going head to head with Advantage Travel Centres, ARTAC and Midconsort by launching in the UK.New York-based Travelsavers is targeting 600 retailers with a pledge to increase their business without sacrificing independence. The move is expected to add to the intense competition between the consortiums.
Travelsavers, which has 2,500 US members, is preparing for a June launch in the UK and is hiring a managing director for its Mayfair headquarters.
Travelsavers International president Jack Maraffi said: “This is not about the US coming across the pond teaching the Brits how to do it. We realise the UK has a different structure from the US. But we believe we can increase the bottom line of all members by analysing their database and developing relationships with customers.”
Travelsavers plan is to develop ‘territories’, with each member having a catchment area of 25,000 people.
Benefits of the consortium include an exclusive travel directory with reduced rates, a Travel Club to convert corporate customers to leisure, and a 24hr helpline and a training programme.
Maraffi said that the operation will be funded through additional commission negotiated with operators.
“There will be no onerous costs to the agent,” he said.
Maraffi added that members will not have to forgo their independence by installing Travelsavers branding on their shop fascia.
“We recognise the entrepreneurial spirit of agents. Many have worked long and hard to develop their name,” he said. “Branding will be available but it is not compulsory.”