Advantage weighs up Stella deal
Advantage Travel Group is to hold talks with Stella following the Australian company’s decision to buy Global Travel Group.
Advantage has a commercial agreement with the Triton consortium, headed by Global, and is keen to see how the travel agent landscape will change following the deal.
Advantage managing director John McEwan said he was confident about the strength of the group, but added the deal would have implications for the consortium.
“We have to consider the ups and downs of it and work our way through it,” he said. “But we are the leading independent agency, with a combined group turnover of £2.5bn, and we will continue to grow in strength regardless of the changing landscape.”
Chairman Steven Freudmann added: “We will have talks with Stella, it would be stupid not to.”
Despite breaking away from a proposed merger under the Triton banner, Freudmann said that Advantage members were producing strong sales for the Triton air fares and hotels products.
“We wouldn’t want to give it up, it’s a good product with strong technology and is selling well.”
Freudmann admitted the independent market was going through a tough period, but claimed Advantage sales were strong.
“Around 100 independents have probably gone this year and you get this rationalisation every 10-15 years in the industry. For strong agents, it’s actually a good thing.
“We are particularly strong in niche markets, luxury holidays and cruising.”
*See previous story
by Jeremy Skidmore
Jeremy Skidmore
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