travelBulletin

After 7 years, ATAC splits from Air Tickets, departs CAN


Issues & Trends – November 2011

After 7 years, ATAC splits from Air Tickets, departs CAN

THE Australian Travel Agents Co-operative (ATAC) has split from the Concorde Agency Network (CAN) and is approaching suppliers to negotiate direct deals with them.

In letters to suppliers, a copy of which has been obtained by travelBulletin, ATAC general manager Michelle Emerton is inviting them to join the co-operative’s “exciting new phase” following termination of its seven year commercial agreement with CAN.

Confirming the move, Emerton said in a statement; “We have been overwhelmed but not surprised by the positive reaction from suppliers to our move.
“ATAC, now in it’s 25th year, has a loyal membership of up to 90 agents with turnover in excess of $350 million.

“Our agents have embraced and welcomed the change to be totally independent.

“The board has acted, and will always act, in the best interest of our members.”

Russell Carstensen, who heads the JTG division that includes CAN said CAN made the decision to part company with ATAC following the breakdown of negotiations over the renewal of ATAC’s consolidation agreement with CAN’s sister company, Air Tickets.

Instead, ATAC struck a consolidation agreement with Consolidated Travel. Outwardly unfazed by the ATAC decision, Carstensen claimed Air Tickets would retain about half the $30 million worth of business involved and claimed the co-operative had forfeited the opportunity to gain international and domestic recognition from Qantas.

He added that Travellers Choice, which has a commercial agreement with Jetset Travelworld Network, had no problems with switching to Air Tickets after it took over JTN’s Consolidated-operated National Ticket Centre.

Observers will see some ironies in the latest move. Consolidated’s owner, the Alysandratos family, is also a major shareholder in JTG.

 

 

Subscribe To travelBulletin

Name(Required)