Previously non-aligned independent agency chains Althams Travel and Regal Travel have joined Advantage Travel Centres
The move is a considerable coup for the consortium as it brings a total of 35 new outlets into the group at one go.
Althams Travel and Regal Travel have both traditionally not been members of any consortium or industry group.
All 31 Althams branches in the north of England have joined as well as the four branches of South Wales-based Regal Travel.
Althams managing director Eddie Starkie said: “Althams as a business was founded in 1874 and over the years we have established a reputation for being fiercely independent with a clear local identity that our customers trust.
“Joining Advantage will allow us to both protect that individuality and also enable us to focus more on the sales effort and the marketing activity, whilst benefiting from the preferential commercial terms of being part of a group.”
Regal Travel general manager Helen Tustin, said: “Our independence has always been important to us but joining Advantage allows us to remain in control of our own destiny whilst enjoying all the benefits that membership brings.”
The consortium’s sales and marketing director Colin O’Neill said: “Attracting such intensely independent businesses to join us is a huge honour.
“We recognise the trust both these organisations have placed in us and are confident they will benefit from being members, as we will learn some best practices from them.”
by Phil Davies
