Global: 'We won't be bullied by in-house distribution'

Global Travel Group Conference Special: Global Travel Group has vowed to create its own worldwide tour operation if suppliers continue their “unacceptable” attitude to members. The move follows January’s peak booking controversy when Global claimed operators pushed sales in-house and neglected the independent sector. Management of the 1000-strong organisation have already launched Destination2Asia, a mid to up-market programme, with Destination2Europe due to follow later this year. Both will have downloadable e-brochures and be exclusive to members. In a passionate defence of the group during its annual conference in Cyprus, Global managing director Rod Bromiley said it would aggressively expand the programme if partner operators failed to show commitment to the group. “If we don’t get support it will be a long haul, short haul worldwide operator and will be a force to be reckoned with,” he told delegates. “It won’t be this group that dictates whether this happens but suppliers. “We cannot have 1000 members going hungry because operators think they can sell their product in-house. We must take control of our own destiny. “In January tour operators aggressively sold in-house yet in the next few months they expect us to be a late sales vehicle. We cannot have stop-go relationships and won’t be bullied by in-house distribution. We won’t be used as and when operators need us.” The Asia programme, based on scheduled flights, will feature 200 hotels in 10 destinations and have be a “contemporary and inspirational alternative to conventional tour operating.” As well as being distributed through its high street agents, Destination2Asia will also be pushed through Global’s direct sales arm although Bromiley stressed direct bookers will not receive favourable deals. Although not ruling out distribution through non-Global retailers, he said he was “cold” on the idea. “It’s not something we have discussed,” said Bromiley. Report by Steve Jones