| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 08/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 96 |
| Copyright: Other |
CARTAin U-turn over Advantage enrolment
Collapse of Airtours deal reopens link with association
Report by PAULNORRIS
ADVANTAGE Travel Centre members are now clear to join the Campaign for Real Travel Agents, just a year after being thrown out of the group.The change of heart comes after Advantage’s franchise deal with Airtours collapsed (Travel Weekly March 13).
CARTA chairman Chris Kirker said: “We are writing to all Advantage members to recommend they join CARTA.
“Firstly, we will invite all those who were expelled last year because of the link with Airtours. This relationship is no longer in operation.”
CARTA members voted to expel Advantage agencies as they claimed the deal with Airtours caused them to lose their independent status.
Kirker said he had held talks with Advantage president Roger Smith to pave the way for a new relationship.
Smith confirmed his members were now free to join CARTA. “We are happy to review the situation,” he said.
However, he added he was still uncertain why Advantage members were expelled from CARTA. “It is strange they threw our members out and not those of ARTAC.”
It is understood that as ARTAC’s relationship with Thomas Cook is not a franchise, it did not come under the same scrutiny as the Advantage-Airtours arrangement.
Kirker said a special subscription rate was now being worked out for Advantage travel agencies – pitched between that of a regular CARTA member and what ARTAC members pay.
He added a fully revised Advantage rate will be implemented next year.
Kirker said the the new partnership with Advantage would start immediately.
Mending fences: Kirker said CARTA would invite back Advantage members expelled last year