Agents seek security as landscape shifts

Agents seek security as landscape shifts
By admin


Rapid change in the travel retail landscape is prompting a growing number of independent agents to seek additional security, according to the head of Independent Travel Group.

The winding down of the Travel Compensation Fund, subsequent trandition to a new accreditation scheme and change within the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have led many independents to consider ways to protect themselves, ITG chief executive Tom Manwaring told Travel Today.

As a result, ITG has seen its number of enquiries rise in the last six to nine months, he revealed.

The announcement of Jetset Travelworld Group’s of the creation of a new Helloworld brand also delivered a surge in interest.

“With the announcement, there’s been a bit of extra impetus, but it will be the middle of next year before we start to see that play out,” Manwaring said.

The company currently counts 200 agents in its ranks, with Manwaring convinced its commitment to “turn the model on its head” is a strong lure for potential agents.

“It’s a more transparent transaction," he said. "We don’t put them on a fixed income and the more they sell, the more they earn."

The elimination of “complicated” monthly statements, along with its offer of a range of value add-ons are seen as “refreshing”, according to Manwaring.

In addition, ITG agents are given an exclusive territory to ensure they will not be competing with another store over the road. And even when they may be finding things a little tough, they will still benefit from the consolidated strength of the group, Manwaring promised.

“If they have a good year and achieve their own targets, they’ll be rewarded,” he said. “But if they haven’t had such a good year, but the group has, they will still be rewarded anyway – it’s a win-win.”

“Our only requirement is that they use our Express Ticketing services.”

Meanwhile, he reiterated his support of the transition of the industry accreditation model, stressing that everyone stands to benefit if the industry is united in its approach.

He recently described JTG's plans for a breakaway scheme as "completely inappropriate", particularly as senior managers, including chief executive Rob Gurney, hold seats on the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) board.

AFTA is currently in the consultation phase of the development of the new scheme.

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