Advantage joins TOWARD Europe
Independents agents’ consortium Advantage has joined TOWARD Europe as part of its development to a commercially focused profit-based organisation.
The 800-agency group is the first travel agent organisation to participate in the body created to maximise the profitability of travel industry companies by optimising the distribution chain.
Advantage joins 40 companies such as Accor, Amadeus, Avis, British Airways Holidays, Cosmos, DER Group, Europcar, Eurostar, Galileo, Gold Medal Travel, Hertz Europe, RWA, Sabre, Travel 2 and Worldspan at TOWARD Europe.
Advantage will participate in the organisation’s Business & Cost Analysis and Inventory & Content working groups. Its agents will also benefit from TOWARD Europe’s research, reports and regular events.
The consortium’s managing director John McEwan said: “The distinctions between the roles of agents and tour operators are blurring. Our members need to compete with multi-channel providers and give customers 24/7 access to their services. TOWARD Europe will enable Advantage members to optimise their distribution routes to consumers.
“TOWARD Europe membership will ensure Advantage agents can access the latest industry thinking on trends and issues. The organisation’s power and influence will be crucial to our members achieving a commercial advantage over their competitors.”
Bill Barnes, TOWARD Europe management committee member and UK sales director at Amadeus, added: “Advantage members will provide a new and vital perspective on the issues that most affect our industry today. As TOWARD Europe’s first major agency win, this signing represents an exciting new era for our organisation.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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