News & Analysis

Thomas Cook has quelled fears it could work with fewer third-party agents as a result of its merger with MyTravel.

The companies want to sell 75% of their products through their own agents – a level comparable with Thomson Holidays last year following its commission cuts.

Currently, MyTravel sells 62% of product in-house, and Thomas Cook sells 64% in-house. The united group will carry 6.3 million passengers.

In an interview with Travel Weekly chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa denied any agenda to cut ties with agents. “We shall still require 25% of sales elsewhere – that is 1.5 million sales. We work closely with the Co-op, for example, and I see us continuing to work closely with the group.”

Some miniples were reassured immediately after news broke of the merger that their relationships with the companies would remain.