Thomson sales down 15% for summer 2002

THOMSON is still lagging behind its rivals in the summer 2002 market as it continues to suffer from the effects of its high-risk, no-discount policy.

Latest figures reveal the operator is between 15% and 20% down on this time last year in a market showing growth of 13%. Just over 250,000 holidays have been sold.

The figures emerged as Thomson ran into trouble with Preferred Agents after embarking on an exclusive offer with in-house retailer Lunn Poly

While discounts through Preferred Agents were unchanged – 15% on summer sun and 25% on Skytours –  Lunn Poly was offering 30% on Skytours.

Sales director Manual Mascarenhas defended last weekend’s exclusive offer, insisting it was retail driven.

“The additional 5% was funded by Lunn Poly. Every retailer has the prerogative to offer over and above the core discount to kick-start their business,” said Mascarenhas.

“I can categorically state that Thomson Holidays did not offer an exclusive deal through Lunn Poly. It would undermine the Preferred Agent scheme and we do not want to do that,” he added.