Global, which has more than 200 members, is set to be acquired by TTNG from Dubai-based travel giant dnata “in the coming weeks”.
TTNG chief executive Gary Lewis held a series of video calls with Global members to answer questions after the deal was announced on Thursday (25 June).
Strawberry Holidays owner Kate Holroyd told TTG the news came as a “complete surprise”, but said she was “impressed” by the call with TTNG’s management.
“The call was great – Gary was very patient and answered all our questions. I’m excited about what this could do for the business. I’ll be looking to work with TTNG as closely as possible.”
Nick Harding-McKay, managing director of Travel Designers, admitted he had been on the verge of switching to TTNG after 21 years with Global shortly before the announcement.
“I’m delighted. I think this is the best news for all members,” he said. “TTNG will be able to offer more marketing support and better business development, and will understand individual members better.”
Several Global members said they were happy to no longer be “a very small cog” in dnata’s machine. When the deal is completed, Global members will move into a separate membership “proposition” within TTNG.
When the deal is completed, Global members will move into a separate membership “proposition” within TTNG, alongside the Travel Trust Association, Worldchoice and Independent Travel Experts.
“One of our core strategies as a group is to have scale in the market and be relevant, to ensure we can inspire, grow and protect our individual travel members," explained Lewis.
“While the deal with TTNG is at this in-principle sale agreement stage, and is subject to a full due diligence process, we will not and are unable to make any comments about the existing Global team,” said dnata in a statement.
Tiffany Woodley, from Myriad Travel, added she was “not surprised” by the Global sale. “It’s a shame – there are really good people at Global," she said. "That’s who I feel for.”
