p26 ops Sept18 15/9/09 14:49 Page 26
news operators
ttglive.com
Upmarket ski
Touring operators
outfit launches
SOME of the world’s most expensive ski chalets
moot joint effort
are back on sale, thanks to a new operator.
Consensio Holidays is selling eight upmarket
Rupert Murray.
“But I would like to revisit it. The success the
chalets in the French resorts of Meribel, TOURING companies are set to revive efforts to cruise industry has had is a clear demonstration
Val d’Isere and Courchevel. They were previously work together as they look to replicate the cruise of what can be achieved, and I would love to sit
sold by Descent International, which went into industry’s success in changing perceptions about down with the other players and discuss it.”
voluntary liquidation last month. its holidays. Trafalgar and Insight said 70% of their
Clients such as the Duke of York lost their de- Paul Melinis, sales director at Trafalgar and customers were also cruisers, which Melinis felt
posits, as Descent had no bonding or insurance. Insight Vacations, said a concerted marketing was evidence there was good growth potential.
Consensio, set up by former Descent staff, is effort by the big players could attract younger “Agents who specialise in cruise could be selling
working with specialist luxury ski agents and customers, despite previous difficulties getting touring to the same people and making them-
pays 12% commission. The operator is applying such an initiative off the ground. selves far more money in the process,” he said.
for financial protection through International “Cruise was once considered as only for the “A discount mentality has emerged in cruise
Passenger Protection. older generation but now everyone is doing it and that has hit commissions, whereas with touring,
A spokeswoman said: “We its popularity continues to grow,” said Melinis. there is still a good deal of money to be made.”
are taking bookings, but not “This was down to cruise lines working together Leger Holidays marketing director Huw Williams
taking any money until we and I think we can achieve similar success.” said: “The customers we attract are changing,
have financial protection.” Collette Worldwide general manager Peter but there is more work to do. We invest heavily in
One-week rentals range Traynor, who suggested a similar move several marketing and PR to raise the profile of touring.
from £9,700 for a chalet years ago, said the sector was now better suited We will continue to do so but it would be good
sleeping 10 to £58,874 for to collaboration. “There was reluctance due to for our competitors to follow our lead.”
Chalet Les Brames (right) in worries about sharing commercially sensitive
Meribel, which sleeps 15. information and it never progressed,” he said. ■ Cosmos Tourama responds: Letters, p34
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