Groups set to circle JTG agents

Groups set to circle JTG agents
By admin


Agency groups are circling Jetset Travelworld as they spy an opportunity to lure disaffected JTG members and grow their own membership.

While stopping short of saying they will actively canvass agents, groups are certain to use the sweeping changes at JTG as the springboard for recruitment drives.

JTG chief executive Rob Gurney said he saw “no reason” why its agents would come not on board and adopt one of its three Helloworld retail models; fully branded, associate or affiliate.

But Travel Counsellors chairman David Speakman said the creation of Helloworld and probable phasing out of existing brands present an opportunity for agents within JTG’s respective networks to seek change.

“The revamp of JTG was well overdue,” he said. “Whether Helloworld is more suitable for the new Royal birth or the answer to JTG’s problems is debatable. What is certain is that it is an opportunity for many agents to also consider a change.”

Magellan Travel Group chief executive Andrew Macfarlane said enquiries have risen which he described as an “inevitable consequence of JTG’s review and announcement”.

“Branded agents, affiliates and associates now know what’s on offer and can evaluate that against other alternatives, including Magellan, and choose the model of best fit and value for their business,” he said.

“But there is no change to our niche strategy of delivering the best value in the market for independently branded corporate and high-end leisure agents. We will always consider every enquiry on its merits. “

Macfarlane added: “Clearly, JTG needed to turn things around and we respect the boldness of the change and wish them well for the task ahead.”

Another senior agency executive said it was clear that every home-based and bricks and mortar network would take advantage of the shake-up.

“Everyone will be trying to utilise the situation and leverage it for recruitment,” he said. “It’s just natural.”

Speakman added that agents must differentiate themselves and warned that the current trend for groups to “multi-channel sales could become a direct competitor” to agents’ business.

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