Independent agents say they remain fully supportive of Thomas Cook, claiming its downfall would send shockwaves through the industry.
Thomas Cook yesterday responded to the situation by putting out messages of reassurance to the trade who had received queries from worried customers.
Advantage chief executive John mcewan said the consortium would continue to support Thomas Cook but admitted sales could drop as a result of recent media coverage and nervousness among consumers.
“We can’t prevent our members from making their own decisions [on selling Thomas Cook] and I’m sure Thomas Cook will lose some business. But it comes at a time of year when sales are not huge.
"We made the decision to trade with Thomas Cook as normal but what’s important is that is that Thomas Cook gets an agreement with its banks and comes out with a positive communication about the company,” he said.
Miles Morgan Travel owner Miles Morgan said: “I think it’s bad news for my business and the industry in general because people get nervous about booking travel and that’s not good for any of us. It’s sad and disappointing for the staff at Thomas Cook and people in the industry full-stop.”
He said the situation would not change the way his staff sold Thomas Cook.
Paul Smith, owner and director of Quartz Travel in York, added: “We have had clients ringing us who are nervous about booking Thomas Cook. Everyone is nervous; we do not want the “big daddy” to go.”
Click here to see original article by Chloe Berman, 24th November 2011
