Consortia and agents are largely backing Kuoni’s UK business in the wake of today’s announcement that it is now up for sale.
They have argued that the brand is strong enough to survive the news and continue to back it while sales remain strong.
But one consortium boss said following a recent blip in sales via his members, the news could be an opportunity to reinforce relations.
Nick Harding, the travel director of Travel Designers, which is a partner store of the operator, said the first he heard of the news was when he received a text from head of trade sales Amanda Darrington early this morning.
He added: “It is business as usual for us. Kuoni is a bit of a gem in the crown in the travel industry and they’re one of the few tour operators that offer genuine price parity.”
Harding said since becoming a partner with the operator they have seen strong support, for instance Kuoni have recently paid for an advert in Balham tube with the explicit message to book with Travel Designers.
He has also seen strong growth in sales of the operator with total revenue up by about 30% year on year for the period from August 1 2014 to January 13 and believes he will hit his annual target due July 31 by the end of February.
“Fingers crossed that will continue. I want them to keep that management team,” Harding said.
“Just because someone’s up for sale doesn’t mean they’re going to chuck the baby out with the bath water.”
