p6 news Sept4 2/9/09 21:09 Page 6
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ttglive.com
Cosmos Tourama admits
Archers’ prices still lower
Rupert Murray.
But Colum Murray, business that Archers will remain cheaper
COSMOS Tourama’s decision to become a development manager at Semple but insisted its customers were
dedicated trade brand has received a mixed Travel, raised the issue of Archers different to Cosmos Tourama’s.
reaction after the operator said its direct-sell Direct, which sells much of the “Archers competes with other
brand Archers Direct would remain cheaper. same product at cheaper prices. direct-sell brands, not with Cosmos
The coach tour specialist operator has “Recently we haven’t been selling Tourama,” he said. “And the price
dropped direct discounting from its website and any Cosmos Tourama because of difference is due to the cost of mar-
removed numbers from its brochure after six Archers Direct,” he said. keting with agents and commission.”
months’ consultation with agents. “Customers call up with quotes Customers who call the Cosmos
The decision was welcomed by Travelplaces from Archers and we tell them to Tourama number on its website are
manager Yvonne Matthias: “We are pleased the book because we can’t compete told the brand is available only
new brochure has no direct telephone numbers even if we buy tours at wholesale through agents, but then given the
and now directs clients back to the agent which prices from source or take off all choice of being redirected to the
supplied the brochure. commission.” Cosmos Tourama has become trade-only, Archers call centre.
“We try to support operators that support us. Cosmos Tourama’s head of trade but agents are upset that it is undercut
This is a positive move, welcomed by this office.” relations, Tony Byrne, admitted by direct-sell sister brand Archers Direct ■ Letters, p32
Two Thomas Cook Page & Moy signs
directors leave deal for new ship
THOMAS COOK has denied rumours of a wide PAGE & MOY has chartered a new ship to run
management restructure after two senior cruises from the UK in summer 2010.
executives left this week. The operator has agreed a deal to charter
Former Kuoni boss Sue Biggs left Cook on Athena for 44 nights next year, when it will sail a
Monday and group strategy director Angus range of itineraries from Harwich and Dover.
Porter departed on Tuesday. Destinations will include northern European
Biggs’ departure came just over a year after cruises visiting the Baltic, Norway and Iceland,
she joined as managing director of scheduled plus southern trips calling at Madeira, the Canary
business. She had been tasked by chief executive Islands and north Africa.
Manny Fontenla-Novoa to increase Cook’s share Athena has capacity for 550 passengers
of the independent travel market. and facilities include a pool, two dining areas,
Biggs led the development of Thomas Cook nightclub, cinema, casino, library, show lounge,
Signature, Latitude, Tradewinds, Flexibletrips, fitness centre, sauna and beauty salon.
Bridge, Cresta and the cities programme. Cabins feature minibars, flatscreen TVs and en
Thomas Cook’s chief executive for independ- suite bathrooms with both bath and shower.
ent travel, Ian Derbyshire, said: “I would like There are also balcony suites with separate
to thank Sue for the role she has played in lounge and bedroom.
our progress to date, and wish her all the best Athena will begin the season with a 13-night
for the future.” GIANT ALMOST READY TO SAIL: The Baltic itinerary, departing Harwich on May 1.
Porter joined the company in April 2008. He is world’s biggest cruise ship, the 5,400-berth Page & Moy returned to selling through agents
not thought to have yet lined up a new job. Oasis of the Seas, is entering its final two two years ago and has since seen trade sales
A company spokesman declined to give a months of construction in Finland. Royal shoot up, although they still make up a relatively
reason for Porter’s departure but said there were Caribbean International said the ship was low proportion of sales.
no immediate plans to replace him. now 93% complete, and its Loft and Aqua The operator had its bonding requirements
Thomas Cook brand director Michael Johnson suites were now sold out for the inaugural lifted by the CAA in April this year following
will take on some of Porter’s day-to-day respon- sailing in December. The Presidential suite a financial restructure of parent company
sibilities as part of an expanded role. has sold out for the first season. Kaleidoscope Travel Group.
06 04.09.2009
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