p26-27 letters apr3 31/3/09 18:06 Page 27
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Why did lines at the Cruise The Dutch scrapped APD, Teachers should set example
Show alienate us agents? why can’t the UK follow? and wear ski helmets
We attended the Telegraph Cruise Show at In Holland, the air tax that came into effect last Niall Douglas’s call for a ski helmet law is a
London ExCeL over March 21-22, and it was a year will be abolished from July 1, 2009. good initiative (TTG March 27).
fantastic show. When this new tax on plane tickets was first I am a ski specialist agent and write on every
Some of the shipping lines in attendance, mooted in Holland, it was said to be an eco-levy confirmation to my clients that helmets are
including Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and to counteract the negative impact flying has on recommended for winter sports.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, among others, fully the environment. But it quickly became clear it I worked as a ski rep for many years and still
supported the trade by allowing agents to was actually nothing more than a new source of work as a rep with school ski groups. Even I
book show offers for the following week at the income for the treasury (¤350m a year). wear a helmet these days after some of the
same price. Since July 1, 2008, flights under 2,500km things I’ve seen.
However, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and have been subject to an ¤11.25 surcharge, while Most school ski-trip students have to wear
Azamara completely let the side down. longer journeys cost an extra ¤45. helmets – although their teachers often do not.
Although their stands were eye-catching and The Dutch government has listened to the We should be leading by example.
modern, and had plenty of consultants on hand trade and decided to scrap this tax from July 1, Helmets have improved dramatically over
to discuss requirements with customers, they 2009, to stimulate the (travel) economy. the past five years, so no excuses really.
offered onboard credit and £200 per person Best of luck with your Fair Fares campaign to
discounts – and these were non-transferable make the APD simple yet fair. Maybe the UK Helen Furlong
and not available to agents. government will follow the lead of the Dutch. sales consultant,
Guys, why do you do this? You are slashing Midlands Co-op SkiDirect
prices left, right and centre, and then you Paul Verhaak
alienate your agents by offering direct deals. vice-president sales and marketing for Europe Insurance firm should make
Stop trashing our industry. and Asia, SuperClubs ski helmets a condition
In response to Niall Douglas’s call for a ski
Name and address supplied EDITOR SAYS: You can still join our campaign helmet law (TTG March 27), all that it would
at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/APDtax take is for insurance companies to insist a
■ TTG would welcome a reply from helmet is worn. If someone sustained a head
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Thanks, Gold Medal, for injury while undertaking snow sports without a
cutting client’s journey time helmet, then they would not pay out.
Azura marketing material Thanks to all those at Gold Medal who pulled
will not make an impact out the stops and used their contacts to make John Williams
I really hope that the P&O Cruises’ Azura my client’s journey easier. webmaster, Eurapart
books well, as the ship looks amazing. My only The route was with China Airlines from
problem is the advertising for it. Birmingham to Hong Kong, and the system
The posters they have sent through to the showed there was a routeing via Bangkok which
What do you think?
shops are poor in every way, and there is would save the client four hours instead of
nothing that makes it stand out as a new ship. going to Taiwan and connecting there. The deadline for letters is 10am on Tuesday.
We were sent two A3 posters, which will The telesales agent tried to get the seats on We need your name, job title and company
do nothing to attract interest. the desired flight at the right class but to no avail. address. These will be withheld on request.
So it will be down to sales staff to make sure A swift email to Gold Medal’s Lee Marshall, who Priority is given to letters sent exclusively
Azura gets noticed. was on holiday, elicited a note from him to the to TTG. Please limit letters to 250 words
contracts manager and within 45 minutes all maximum. We reserve the right to edit.
Amy Younis was sorted. The client was amazed we could beat Email: ttgletters@ttglive.com
retail manager, Blue Skies Travel the computer and get them what they wanted. Fax: 020 7921 8033
Blog: Or why not have your say online?
■ TTG would welcome a response from David Wootton Write a blog at yourspace-ttglive.com
P&O Cruises managing director, Knighton Travel
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