News & Analysis

THOMAS Cook has issued a gagging order to stop staff making derogatory remarks about MyTravel.

The message to support its troubled rival comes as speculation looms about further black holes in MyTravel’s finances and rumours it has been put on suppliers’ credit watch lists.

A leaked Thomas Cook memo, sent to shops by tour operations commercial director Mike Beaumont, told staff not to denigrate MyTravel.

It said agents should take bookings requested for MyTravel, claiming its relationship with the group had “completely stabilised” following this summer’s row over advertising.

The letter directly follows Travel Weekly’s mystery shop last week, in which Thomas Cook staff told us MyTravel was “in a bit of trouble”.

Beaumont said: “We wanted staff to be clear on our position. We have an ongoing commercial relationship with MyTravel. We are financially comfortable with the situation.”

ABTA also moved to reassure customers after calls from Independent Options development director Sue Foxall. Telephone and website messages stress MyTravel is fully protected.

MyTravel chief executive UK and Ireland Duncan Wilson welcomed the support. He said: “Some of our competitors have been as subtle as a brick. Some have been more neutral but given me and my colleagues encouragement. Others have been extremely supportive.”

Meanwhile, former Airtours managing director Harry Coe and ex-group company secretary David Burns are said to be leading a bid to buy Cresta, Bridge, Leger, and the Scandinavian businesses backed by venture capitalists. Coe refused to comment.