Agents say ‘good riddance’ as Virgin Holidays ditches trade sales
Agents have been binning brochures and claiming ‘good riddance’ in response to Virgin Holidays’ announcement that it is ditching trade sales.
On Friday the operator said it plans to become direct sell, solely using its own website, call centre and Virgin Holidays retail stores.
Trade partners, which the tour operator said currently account for less than 10% of its overall business, were notified but Virgin Holidays said it could take up to 30 days to take effect depending on the different notice periods on contracts.
Advantage was first to hit out at the tour operator, claiming ‘no one can control and own a customer’.
Julia Lo Bue-Said said: "A customer has a choice and Virgin Holidays want to remove that from them.
"I believe this is now a great opportunity for agents to engage with and support those suppliers that truly value their business."
Scores of agents took to Facebook group, Travel Gossip, to show pictures of Virgin Holidays’ brochures in the bin and to highlight other tour operators supporting the trade like Funway, US Tours, Travel 2, Gold Medal, JTA, Premier and Jetset.
Commenting on Virgin Holidays’ announcement, Stephen Bennett said: "I have not used them for years, simply because there are so many other good companies out there that are prepared to work with agents."
Steve Wright, of Worldchoice Travel, Shrewsbury. said: "That’s provided more racking space on our shelves for operators that support the trade and the vital supply line that brings. Good thing is there’s plenty of alternative choice out there!
But some did express concern about whether they would still get the air fares on Virgin routes like Manchester to Orlando which are popular with clients and whether they would be able to find alternatives at the same low prices.
In its press release Virgin Holidays, which recently launched a new ‘concept’ store called V-Room, in Bluewater shopping centre and Metro Centre in Gateshead, said it wanted to deal direct every customer booking its holidays.
Managing director Mark Anderson said: "By solely focusing on our direct sales channels, we will be able to have a relationship with every customer booking a holiday with us.
"We are investing in our direct channel, including opening new retail stores around the UK, launching a more intuitive online booking experience and having a dedicated UK based contact centre. Overall, we’re passionate about providing all of our customers a unique, seamless holiday experience."
Diane
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