p5 sep26 24/9/08 21:31 Page 5
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news
In brief
ASA ruling could end
■ Thomson/First Choice launch TV adverts
Thomson and First Choice have created a first
joint television advert, aimed at reassuring the
public at “a time of change within the industry”.
cruising’s big discounts
Set in a retail shop, the advert features staff of
both companies offering free and impartial
advice to all travellers. The ad will be shown for
Lee Hayhurst.
breaking its code by overstating how much cus-
one week during popular shows such as The X THE ADVERTISING Standards Authority is nearing tomers can save buying at the discounted price.
Factor, CelebAir and The Bill. the end of an eight-month investigation into cruise Andy Harmer, Ace director of business
pricing that could spell the end for discounting. development, said if the ruling goes against
■ All Leisure Group recruits Geoff Lawrence The consumer watchdog has received two Reader Offers it would be a chance for “a proper
All Leisure Group has appointed Geoff Lawrence, complaints about Reader Offers adverts for grown-up debate” about discounts.
formerly of Cadogan Holidays, as sales and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines voyages that appeared “We saw at our convention in April how
marketing director. Lawrence has also previously in the national press in January. discounting is a real point of contention for many
worked for Thomson and First Choice. He will A decision is due to be made public in the agents,” he said.
be tasked to devise a marketing strategy for the next couple of weeks and TTG understands the “While there is an argument to say leading
Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery brands. outcome is likely to go against Reader Offers. with a good discount is an opportunity to
An ASA spokesman said the nature of the get people into cruise, the question is, does it
■ Shine Awards now open for nominations complaints was that “the comparison between devalue the product?
Nominations are now being accepted for this the full brochure price and the Reader Offers “There should be a grown-up debate about
year’s Shine Awards, which celebrate women’s price was misleading”. how we advertise to consumers and maybe this
talent in the travel industry. The deadline for The complaints are thought to be based on the is an opportunity to talk about value rather than
nominations is October 31 and the awards belief that virtually no cruises are ever sold at the the discounted price.”
ceremony will take place on November 26 at full price, and so the discount saving is inflated. Giles Hawke, sales director at Complete Cruise
London Metropolitan University. Most major cruise lines offer huge discounts – Solution, said: “As far as we are concerned we
typically up to 45% – on brochure prices. are currently operating legally.”
■ BA cancels service to Pakistan If the ruling goes against Reader Offers the No one from Reader Offers was prepared to
British Airways has cancelled its Heathrow to ASA would, in effect, be saying the industry was comment until the ASA ruling is made.
Islamabad service following the bomb attack
in the Pakistan capital city last weekend which
killed more than 50 people and injured 200. A
spokesman said: “In light of the security situation
in Pakistan, BA has cancelled its flights from
Islamabad to Heathrow indefinitely. The safety
and security of our customers, our staff and
our operation is always our absolute priority.”
The service operated six times a week.
■ CCS pulls the plug on viewdata
Complete Cruise Solution is turning off viewdata
from September 30. The trade arm of P&O
Cruises, Princess Cruises, Ocean Village and
Cunard is asking agents to switch to the dedicated
CCS site. The number of bookings on viewdata
has dwindled in recent years and CCS will offer
full training on how to use its booking system.
■ Insurers offer agents training support
Two travel insurance specialists are offering to
support training for agents who want to continue
selling travel insurance after FSA regulations come
in on January 1. Acumus Insurance Solutions is P
A Photos
offering online training, while
insure2travel.co.uk HEATHROW PROTESTS: Environmental protesters voiced their opposition to the
is offering appointed representative status. expansion of Heathrow at the Labour Party conference in Manchester amid reports
that the proposed third runway will be given the green light before Christmas. London
ttglive.com
For the latest news, reviews and comment
Mayor Boris Johnson this week gave his support for a replacement airport in the Thames
from the travel industry, visit
ttglive.com estuary – a stance branded as “opportunistic” by outgoing transport secretary Ruth Kelly.
26.09.2008 05
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