UK Ferry Tickets

You may remember a story in a previous newsletter about how high street travel agents were turning to selling property, cars and even sun cream to make a living.

Many are struggling to take enough holiday bookings because so many people are booking over the Internet and it’s inevitable that many of the 7,000-odd retailers will go bust.

The recent publicity about Tesco’s profits has highlighted the gulf between successful retailers and those who have lost their way. Tesco’s loyalty programme, which is really there to benefit the retailer rather than the customer, tells the company exactly what shoppers are buying. When spending patterns reveal that people buy crisps with beer, its no co-incidence that these products are promoted together. In stark contrast, many travel agents haven’t a clue what their customers are buying.

Some tour operators will also go. There are just too many around and, unless you have a solid client base, it’s hard to attract new bookers.

This painful process has already begun, as four travel companies have collapsed in the space of a few weeks. Stockport-based Great Moor Travel Worldchoice was unable to meet its liabilities and had just 20 forward bookings when its plug was pulled.

Startrek Travel, Value Holidays and Travel and Azure Holidays have all gone in quick succession.

Unfortunately, I predict many more failures over the next 12 months.

What do you think? Does anyone still use your local travel agent?

Guest Article by

Jeremy Skidmore

Friday, September 30th, 2005