| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/04/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
ARTAC to form closer ties with Thomas Cook
ARTAC and Thomas Cook are to seek closer co-operation as part of plans to kick-start JMC sales through the Worldchoice network.The move, unveiled at the ARTAC conference in Birmingham, came as chairman Colin Heal admitted the Worldchoice brand has lost its way and has little recognition among the public.Members were also told at the conference that a call-centre operation will be set up either as an independent business or in conjunction with their alliance partners.Under the new deal, Thomas Cook will plough between £2m and £3m into marketing the brand. It will also develop foreign-exchange bureaux in a number of ARTAC shops.”When we were in partnership with Carlson, I felt we didn’t really succeed in getting across the Worldchoice name,” admitted Heal. “We now want to create a household brand. With the significant investment from Thomas Cook we can do that.”Heal insisted the money will not have to be repaid but said Thomas Cook will look for an increase in sales through ARTAC. However, he stressed that targets would not be set.”Sales will increase naturally because the product is good,” said Heal. “I don’t see why we shouldn’t double our sales of Thomas Cook products.”The operator’s products currently account for 35% of ARTAC’s sales of the four major operators.The multiple will also invest in foreign-exchange bureaux in ARTAC’s best performing shops. They will either be manned by the agency’s own staff or by Thomas Cook.”It could work on a profit share basis or Thomas Cook paying a rental to the shop,” said Heal.Meanwhile, members were told that Worldchoice Direct will be launched in December.Two options have been drawn up – the first operated in house and the second outsourced to Thomas Cook.Commercial director Julian Foster said: “The first option is a riskier financial proposition but with potential long-term benefits. The second will see the cost borne by Thomas Cook and a flat commission paid back to Worldchoice on gross turnover.”
ARTAC and Thomas Cook are to seek closer co-operation as part of plans to kick-start JMC sales through the Worldchoice network.The move, unveiled at the ARTAC conference in Birmingham, came as chairman Colin Heal admitted the Worldchoice brand has lost its way and has little recognition among the public.
Members were also told at the conference that a call-centre operation will be set up either as an independent business or in conjunction with their alliance partners.
Under the new deal, Thomas Cook will plough between £2m and £3m into marketing the brand. It will also develop foreign-exchange bureaux in a number of ARTAC shops.
“When we were in partnership with Carlson, I felt we didn’t really succeed in getting across the Worldchoice name,” admitted Heal. “We now want to create a household brand. With the significant investment from Thomas Cook we can do that.”
Heal insisted the money will not have to be repaid but said Thomas Cook will look for an increase in sales through ARTAC. However, he stressed that targets would not be set.
“Sales will increase naturally because the product is good,” said Heal. “I don’t see why we shouldn’t double our sales of Thomas Cook products.”
The operator’s products currently account for 35% of ARTAC’s sales of the four major operators.
The multiple will also invest in foreign-exchange bureaux in ARTAC’s best performing shops. They will either be manned by the agency’s own staff or by Thomas Cook.
“It could work on a profit share basis or Thomas Cook paying a rental to the shop,” said Heal.
Meanwhile, members were told that Worldchoice Direct will be launched in December.
Two options have been drawn up – the first operated in house and the second outsourced to Thomas Cook.
Commercial director Julian Foster said: “The first option is a riskier financial proposition but with potential long-term benefits. The second will see the cost borne by Thomas Cook and a flat commission paid back to Worldchoice on gross turnover.”