New Tour Operation at MAN
COOPERATIVE HOLIDAYS is to be set up as a joint venture operation by the Co-Op and Cosmos. The backers believe there is a space in the market for another traditional mainstream tour offering with the 'Big 4' having consolidated to become the 'Big 2', and of course with XL also out of the picture. The market also bemoans the inevitable tendency of TUI / Thomas Cook to push sales through their own inhouse sales channels leaving increasingly slimmer pickings for other companies. Cooperative Holidays will initially be sold through Co-Op outlets only but is expected to be made available via other retailers once more established.
The flying programme is planned to commence for the Summer 2010 season from two main bases: MANCHESTER and LONDON GATWICK. The usual EUMED destinations will be offered, perhaps Florida also. Product will be gradually added from other regional airports.
I have not yet seen any indication of which airline(s) will provide the flying for Cooperative Holidays, or even if contract negotiations have taken place yet. If anybody knows which airlines will be involved, please update us here if you are at liberty to provide the information. Presumably Monarch will be well placed to provide capacity to a Cosmos-related business? Thanks.
Nice to be able to report some good news for a change, isn't it?
SHED.