p40-41 letters jan23 20/1/09 18:08 Page 41
ttglive.com
letters
Direct-sell Monarch undercuts Mumbai has recovered quickly Financial protection? State
Cosmos by a whopping 43% from the November killings what is and is not covered
I am sure Cosmos is still saying it is the agents’ In early January I visited Mumbai to discover In response to the “Abta demands change in
friend, as are all the operators. But this is not the mood of the city after the November protection law” story on ttglive.com, surely the
true, as Monarch and itself are the same. attacks, and to visit the hotels affected. answer is as Mr Cooper stated: “The consumer
I accept Monarch is direct-sell and this is only Both the Taj Palace’s new wing and the should know exactly what is and what is not
the same as Direct Holidays and Portland. Trident Oberoi have reopened. Apart from protected.”
However, mostly we can compete when we get a moving tribute memorial at the Taj, and So simply make it law that anyone selling any
a like-for-like. Not so with Cosmos and Monarch. increased security (which posed little form of travel should clearly state what is and
Example: seven nights, departing May 18, inconvenience but provided reassurance) is not protected and get the customer to sign to
Manchester to Dalaman, day flight, meals on there was little sign of the incidents at either. this effect.
flight and transfers, suite accommodation at Ongoing renovation of the famous old wing This way the consumer has a choice. Let’s
Grand Azur – so far both brands the same, but... proceeds with no impact on guests as a result get real here: no other industry has as much
Monarch price: £1,132.66 of clever screening, and many of the public financial protection as ours. What about the
Cosmos price: £1,621.00 areas including the elegant swimming pool are poor people who bought goods through MFI,
Difference: 43% back in use. Land of Leather, vouchers through Woolworths
Does that seem fair? The city has quickly got back to normal and or Zavvi and anyone else currently going bust?
locals demonstrate their customary resilience.
David Wootton, Knighton Travel The hustle and bustle continues with couples Donna Wood, via ttglive.com
walking the waterfront, cricket being played on
■ TTG would welcome a reply from Cosmos every spare bit of ground, shops filled with Kuoni invests in agent training,
bargain hunters and restaurants full of people. despite the credit crunch
Why is Virgin Holidays In the four years since my last visit, Mumbai Thanks to Kuoni, who provided a fantastic
not standing by us? has developed rapidly, reflecting its economic training programme despite the credit crunch.
I can’t believe Virgin Holidays isn’t supporting importance to Asia. However, it seems to have Last year they invested in agents by offering
the trade. Regular clients of ours had decided done so without losing its character. us the chance to complete the Longhaul
to take advantage of the 50% off offers at The international airport is being rebuilt and Diploma Training Programme in the summer,
Sandals Resorts as advertised in The Mail on is already more efficient than before, so now then sent the top 40 agents to Labriz in the
Sunday and via a direct mailer. represents an excellent option as a start point Seychelles to complete the exam.
The advert states: “Contact your travel agent for a trip to India. With yet another airline,
or book direct”. I spoke to Virgin and obtained Kingfisher Airlines (owned by the brewer of Yvonne Powell, Far East, Africa and Indian
a quote, and at no point in the conversation Kingfisher beer) commencing services to Ocean specialist (and Country Xpert diploma
was I advised that the holiday, costing £4,000, Mumbai from London, competition is leading winner), Holidaysplease
was non-commissionable. to lower fares, making a visit to India
I called Funway Holidays as a back-up plan to particularly good value currently.
What do you think?
see what they were offering on these “deals”. After many visits to Mumbai, this was the
Without prompting they explained what would first occasion I had the opportunity to explore. The deadline for letters is 10am on Tuesday.
and would not be commissionable. The highlight was undoubtedly going out to We need your name, job title and company
Although a small commission, we did get Elephanta Island. address. These will be withheld on request.
something in return for our work. Elsewhere the pulsating atmosphere left me Priority is given to letters sent exclusively
wishing I could have stayed longer in what is to TTG. Please limit letters to 250 words
Gemma Williams now a most exciting city. Indeed some of my maximum. We reserve the right to edit.
Travel adviser and TTG Roving Reader, travel companions changed their plans and Email: ttgletters@ttglive.com
Worldchoice, Sheffield stayed longer – I will next time. Fax: 020 7921 8033
Blog: Or why not have your say online?
■ TTG would welcome a response from Gwyn Hughes Write a blog at yourspace-ttglive.com
Virgin Holidays Pinpoint Communications
How can you help a good cause
AND sell more holidays?
Donate a holiday to be auctioned online to the public for the Holiday2Help campaign and help give children
living in poverty a much-needed break away with their family. Highlight your brand values AND reach an
audience primed to buy a holiday!
Email events@fhaonline.org.uk, phone 0207 323 7292
or visit www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk to find out how to get involved
Registered charity number 800262 www.fhaonline.org.uk 16 Mortimer St London W1T 3JL
23.01.09 41
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