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The lines between tour operators and travel agents have blurred as high street retailers struggle to find ways to survive.
Advantage managing director John McEwan said agents were still perceived as only selling package holidays and that had damaged their business.
“More than 1,000 have closed their doors so we need to find new product,” he said. “Agents will continue to add value through their expertise and they are becoming travel providers.”
McEwan also said that Triton – the super-consortium consisting of Advantage, Global and Worldchoice – is the UK’s largest distributor of travel with 2,000 high street locations.
He said: “It’s a powerful force if we can bring it together and make it cohesive.”
McEwan added that Triton is building its own product to be sold through the network and ensuring members had access to the latest technology.
Triton has just introduced its search technology to members enabling them to compare traditional packages with tailor-made options simultaneously.
The super-consortium plans to introduce a white label website with a booking engine later this year which members can stamp with their own branding.
“Everyone is going to be selling seats and bedstock to everyone else. Retailers need to be more and more informed about their customers and persuade them there is value to face-to-face,” added McEwan.
Report by Linda Fox
Phil Davies
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