CarTrawler responds to VisitBritain’s sole global car rental deal………….

In the comments section on TravelMole today, Greg Turley, CEO of UK based CarTrawler took the opportunity to voice his views on some of the points raised in by The Mole in yesterday’s article titled Visit Britain makes a potentially very dangerous move…………… and you click on this link to read the story.

https://www.travelmole.com/stories/1122919.php

Mr Turley says in his response, “Regarding your report on the CarTrawler/VisitBritain deal, I would like to point out two inaccuracies in the piece regarding CarTrawler specifically.”

“In paragraph two you write “…. [the industry questions whether] VisitBritain will only deal or work with CarTrawler and no other car rental company or broker?”

“CarTrawler would like to make explicit that it is neither a car rental company NOR a car broker.“

“As the release detailed, CarTrawler is global car rental distribution system (similar in ethos to how a GDS distributes flights and other travel product), enabling its partners (in this case VisitBritain) to access pricing, availability and bookings from over 450 car rental suppliers globally in real time.”

“By integrating its technology into booking engines it facilitates the dynamic cross-selling of car rental.”

“As a relatively new player, CarTrawler currently has no direct competition.”

“No other travel technology company has created its own technology platform to specifically distribution car content in this fashion.”  “Hence, we are first and foremost a technology company, specialising in car rental; we do not and will not act as a broker.”

The Mole says it appears that Mr Turley may not have fully understood the question or comment and most certainly has not answered it with both Car Trawler and VisitBritain having failed to fully understand at least the current Aussies car rental business and the relationship between VB and the trade, not only in Aus but globally.

The Mole adds, “Mr Turley, the reality and is the issue is that it is the technology and method of distribution that is different in your model, not what you do or offer.” 

“Whatever you call it, from where the trade here sees it, you offer car rental from a heap of companies to travellers, as do a number of wholesalers an operators here, so you are in direct competition with them – you are therefore a broker, whether you think you are or are not and claim to be a GDS, but that is all rather irrelevant, because the key issue is that VB should not be entering into a sole global relationship with you or anyone else!”

“They are supposed to be impartial, offering travellers advice and choices of options, whereas now your offering is the sole car rental offering though VB and while you may be, who says you are the best or most appropriate deal?”

“Another question is Mr Turley, to do you make any money of these transactions?”

“Yes or No?” 

“If yes you are a broker or agent, if no, then you are not!”

“Whatever, VB as an NTO should not be offering anyone a sole deal.”

The industry view here?…………… 

Without question and confirmed in several discussions yesterday this should not be happening!

Also in a informal chat in an industry function last night Russell Butler from Avis told The Mole, “This is a very strange move indeed for Visit Britain to enter the commercial arena.”

Others added, “The real question is where does this leave the trade and all the car rental companies and car rental brokers, in relation to VisitBritain”

This and other questions remain unanswered with VisitBritain having not responded to The Mole’s enquiries for clarification.

It is also possible as one industry leader said that this move may cast some doubt on VisitBritain’s status in some countries globally as a government organisation as they are now clearly entering the big end of town and commercial alliance arena, something they have never done in the past, having remained impartial with commercial activity limited to promotional activity.

Mr Turley also comments, “In addition to the point above, and further to the article’s concern that VisitBritain’s partnership with CarTrawler will in some way preclude other car rental companies working with VisitBritain, this is not the case.”

“As stated above, already 450 branded and independent car rental companies are distributed by our system, this represents the most comprehensive car rental distribution on the market today.”

“Further to this, we invite any approved car rental company to sign up and be a provider with-in the CarTrawler distribution system at http://www.cartrawler.com/supplier_signup.asp.”

The Mole says, “Mr Turley seems to be missing the point in that the trade in Australia believes that his company’s relationship with VB is inappropriate and so would any sole deal of this nature with any commercial operator.” 

“Also why would any of the companies choose to go through him, probably with associated cost, rather than in the manner they have dealt with VB for years?” 

“In addition, the repeated question in Australia is that even putting aside the inappropriate nature of the relationship, did it go to tender?”  

“Also while Mr Turley claims that they are the only company offering his specific service, there are heaps of others that can offer similar car rental offerings to clients perhaps not as comprehensive as his and not using the same distribution methodology.”

“So VisitBritain, are you turning your back on all those long established and valuable relationships in the car rental business, in favour of a non stop on line newcomer?”

“Also the trade is asking the question, how much does VB make out of this – are they on a click per booking.”

“Is the next step exclusive or sole relationships with a hotel group and what will the other hotel companies say, or will we see VB entering a sole relationship on line with a global GDS or on line travel company to the exclusion of all others and what will the others say……??”

VisitBritain………….silence is not golden, its confusing…………..so, let’s give the Australian trade some clarity, not smoke and mirrors and let’s do it soon!

Report by The Mole