p26-27 letters apr3 31/3/09 18:05 Page 26
Your letters
Criticism of our concessions
was unfair – Holiday Extras
We’re sorry to hear that Catherine Murphy was
disappointed with the Holiday Extras agents’
Freudmann was
concessions website (TTG March 27), but in fact
she compared two different products.
She booked an advance hotel with parking
for £81 on a “no amend/no cancellation” basis.
If she had stuck with us, she would have had
marginally lower outlay (£80) but it could have
right to quit Abta
been amended or cancelled if necessary.
The published value of that product was £115.
Agents’ concession rates are available at most
UK airport hotels and always represent a STEVEN Freudmann may have
LET
ABTA’s view on insolvency is
discount of up to 50% off the standard done nothing wrong, but it was
OF THE
TERS
strongly prejudiced and prevents
published rate, subject to availability. regrettably the correct decision
WEEK
entrepreneurs from re-establishing
to resign. themselves in the market when
Anthony Clarke-Cowell His directorship of Unpackaged things have gone wrong – as they
head of commercial, Holiday Extras was stated to be an oversight. Yes, can and will. This will have to change
perhaps that is true, but no matter how much and the structure of the insurance bonding
Abta, how much does your excellent work he may have done for Abta, game will also have to adapt.
Majorca board meeting cost? this directorship, along with the various Abta seems to be increasingly removed
I notice that Abta’s board meeting was due connections between Alpha and Unpackaged, from reality. If they really expect the
to be held in Majorca (TTG March 27). do not look so good on paper to the outside government to drop departure tax when the
Could someone tell me how much it costs to world. country is already up to its neck in debt, then
send board members to this meeting? So, painful though it may be, well done to they are in cuckoo land.
What is wrong with having a board meeting Steven Freudmann and Abta for a tough As for Steven Freudmann, I don’t know him
at the Abta offices? Or has Abta too much decision. and I’ve never met him; but he does now have
money? If this is the case, why not reduce our Our politicians have done far, far worse, insolvency experience, which, let’s face it, will
subs, and then maybe we can all go to Majorca and done far more damage to their parties – be needed by someone in Abta for the next
for a weekend. if only they could all resign as well. few years.
Gwenda Jones Nick Cooper. Gary Phillips.
Owens Travel, Worldchoice director, Villa Plus owner, Eurodestination.com
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26 03.04.2009
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