p34-35 letters feb20 18/2/09 13:16 Page 35
ttglive.com
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Don’t always assume dynamic Delaying 2010 launches would Alternative Holidays acted
beats packaged pricing help public focus on 2009 professionally and quickly
What a missed opportunity for travel agents IN RESPONSE to the suggestion we should GABRIELE NERONI, Alternative Holidays’
when their clients search for holidays on their “put summer 2010 brochures on hold” (TTG managing director, should be applauded for his
websites. February 13), we’ve seen an increase in prompt action (“Alternative Holidays to remove
I searched for seven nights from Gatwick to website hits through search engine keywords Atol logo”).
Madeira, March 16, staying at the five-star asking for 2010 European holidays, yet only His reaction was nothing other than I
Pestana Grand Hotel. These websites searched half of our holidays have 2010 prices expected from a professional.
the flights and then searched the accommoda- published on the website because we feel Sadly, other companies operating in our
tion, before having to add the transfers. that customers are wanting to focus purely market continue to sell packages without an
All dynamically packaged using charter or low- on this year. Atol licence yet use the Atol logo.
cost carriers, accommodation from various bed Plans to publish prices for 2010 holidays in The CAA should ensure its efforts are
banks and then transfers from various transfer Croatia are in the pipeline as this is the most directed at the real abusers and not against
companies, it came to £1,177.94 for two adults. popular country on our portfolio for 2009. those, such as Neroni, who made a genuine
Had these websites searched our packaged In these difficult economic times I think error and corrected it immediately.
holidays, they could have picked up the same customers would appreciate travel companies
holiday cheaper at just £998 – a saving of assisting them in getting a 2009 holiday rather Andrew Roberts
£179.94 – and the agent would have picked up than moving on to 2010 so early. chief executive, Amro Worldwide
their full commission on the price and the client
would have benefited from free in flight meals Iain Williams In memory of
and the services of our resort representatives. managing director, Bryan Moreton
As an independent operator, we value the Williams Holidays I was greatly saddened to read that Bryan
trade’s support and in return we do not discount Moreton had passed away (TTG February 6).
to direct consumers, supply agents with TTG EDITOR ASKS: Are there any other travel I shall always remember his wit, cheerful
brochures and ensure they receive commission companies holding back on 2010 prices? Let me disposition and constant willingness to share
in full on the total price the holiday is sold at. know by emailing ttgletters@ttglive.com his deep knowledge of the industry with those
Agents need not lose the opportunity to win the less experienced and knowledgeable than he was.
sale by assuming dynamically packaged holidays Last-minute bookings no My deepest sympathy goes out to Avril and
are better and cheaper for their clients. longer mean discounts Julia; I shall always treaure the memory of
I am writing in response to your news story your husband and father.
Dino Toouli, sales and marketing manager, “Hold your nerve as sales get later” (TTG
Atlantic Holidays, Gloucester February 13). Reinhard Wiersum
Last-minute bargains are all about minimising Old Abtarian, Redhill, Surrey
TTG Valentine’s winner just your losses to operators, but with many cutting
loved her Casablanca prize capacity and margins already close to the bone,
What do you think?
Thank you for my fantastic Valentine’s the last-minute booking doesn’t necessarily
experience at Andaz London. The cinema represent discounts to the consumer. The deadline for letters is 10am on Tuesday.
screening of Casablanca was like stepping back The current late-booking trend is really a We need your name, job title and company
in time to a romantic period of years gone by, mix of “am I going to get a better deal if I book address. These will be withheld on request.
and was followed by a romantic meal in the later” and “is my money safe?” Priority is given to letters sent exclusively
atmospheric 1901 restaurant. It would be interesting to know exactly to TTG. Please limit letters to 250 words
Next time you are in London I would recom- which locations the 25% all-inclusive sales maximum. We reserve the right to edit.
mend a trip here, and for your clients looking represent. Email: ttgletters@ttglive.com
for something special put Andaz on your list. Fax: 020 7921 8033
Karl Hen Blog: Or why not have your say online?
Ivana Chobotova director, Write a blog at yourspace-ttglive.com
assistant manager, Travel Designers bargainvillas.co.uk
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20.02.2009 35
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