Consolidation of the major operators had left independents with a massive opportunity to increase their sales, claimed Advantage chief and Triton director John McEwan in Palma.
He said their decision to directionally sell and shut shops had left a gap in the market for those who offered a different type of service.
“Now, their only raison d’etre is to sell their own products,†he said. “Thomson sells Thomson and has lost a lot of business compared with three to five years ago, so independents have a great opportunity.
“Despite the backdrop of the economy, this is a great time to be an independent agent. We’re in a good place, but we’re not complacent.
TUI and Thomas Cook closed over 250 shops and that will continue – I expect there will be another 250 in a year or two – and it’s a gap for independents to step into.â€
by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)
