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news
Expedia seeks agents’ sales
Rupert Murray and Chris Gray.
prefer to book their holiday through a traditional independent agents as they could buy the same
ONLINE travel giant Expedia – once touted as high street shop and TAAP provides the perfect stock more cheaply and sell at a better margin.
heralding the end of traditional agents – is way for us to reach this previously unexplored “I can see Expedia wants distribution on the
now offering them 10% commission to sell its customer base.” high street because they are not there, and
holidays on the high street. Agents will be able to log in to Expedia and sell customers are nervous about online booking
Expedia said it recognised that many its holidays for the same price as advertised since the XL Leisure Group collapse. But from an
customers prefer to go through a traditional online. The site will record agent bookings and agent’s point of view, I don’t see it,” she said.
high street shop – but its overture has met a pay commission of up to 10% quarterly. Maria Wade, a senior travel consultant at
lukewarm response from agents. Agents who sign up before the end of 2008 Andes Travel, said she would take up the offer:
It has always sold 100% direct in the UK, but will not be charged and, until March 2009, will “People once thought these websites would put
it is now extending its travel agent affiliate be able to earn enhanced commissions. From agents out of business. They are now coming to
programme (TAAP) from Italy to the UK. January agents must pay a one-off fee of £40. us hoping we will sell their product. It just shows
Mikael Andersson, Expedia’s vice-president for Jane Atkins, head of the Freedom Travel that every travel company needs agents.”
Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said: “There Agents’ Consortium, said using Expedia would Hays Travel boss John Hays said his chain was
is still a significant number of consumers who not make sense for her members or most unlikely to get involved.
Co-op lists child
Bevan to retain
friendly airlines
Abta board spot
FORMER lastminute.com UK
THE Co-operative Travel has graded airlines on managing director John
their treatment of families with small children Bevan could remain as an
and is urging agents to pass on the information Abta board member despite
to customers. leaving the online agent last
Its research revealed that an average infant on week.
holiday requires essential items weighing about Bevan was appointed to
14kg. But it said only two out of seven of the the board in July last year to
major airlines used by British holidaymakers bring in online expertise. Bevan: board member
provide an additional baggage allowance. An Abta spokeswoman
Parents with very young children then faced said he did not have to step down because he had
high excess baggage charges. left his job.
It found the best carriers for families with The board will meet next week and Bevan’s
young children were Virgin and British Airways, position is likely to be discussed, but the
which offer an infant allowance in addition to a spokeswoman said there was no assumption he
normal baggage allowance of 23kg. However, would stand down.
their excess baggage charges were also the Bevan left lastminute after four years on
highest, ranging from £30 to £120 per bag. Friday, after informing staff the previous day.
The worst for families was Ryanair which He said he would try something new in
offered a 15kg baggage allowance and no extra travel, but had no concrete plans as his job at
allowance for infants. Parents needing to take lastminute had been “so big” he had not had
extra items have to pay an excess charge of time to explore other opportunities.
£12 per kg. AITO BRANCHES OUT: The Aito Specialist He added that it was the right time to go as
Trevor Davis, The Co-operative Travel’s head Agents conference is to be held in Gdansk, he would be leaving the company in safe hands
of retail distribution, said: “The situation can be Poland, next year, with full details to be because of the “great management team”
confusing and families must know what charges announced at next month’s World Travel of marketing director Julie Davidson, travel
they might incur before they book. We see this Market. Pictured going wild for the launch sales director Andy Washington and lifestyle
as part of the service a good agent should offer.” of the Aito Specialist Travel Agents Wildlife sales director Mark Bower.
The company has teamed up with Tinytotsaway, brochure are, from top: Ted Wake, Kirker Lastminute is understood to have started the
which delivers baby and toddler essentials direct Holidays; Catherine Standring (left), Cox & process of finding a replacement.
to overseas accommodation, and is giving a free Kings; Andy Rowdon, Kitts Travel; and In the meantime, group managing director
£25 voucher to customers who book in store. Louise Newton, Somak Holidays Simon Thompson will take over.
24.10.2008 09
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