So far nothing would prevent partnerships term

By a year, 352 points of sale Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) took the colours of Havas Voyages, in addition to the 170 that already has the sign, to create a network of more than 500 shops, 650 of here in five years. A joint-venture, the European TUI Travel, owner of Havas Voyages through its subsidiary new frontiers, and the American Carlson, head of the CWT network, signed a simple ten-year license agreement. He entrusted to Carlson brand Havas Voyages and the operational management of the network, TUI Travel involved in the trade policy and marketing. The objective is to establish soon a set homogeneous, with a strong sign.

This approximation is in addition to cataclysmic movements shake the distribution of travel for two years. He notably following the merger between Selectour and Shu'afat trips a year ago, which gave birth to AS travel, first French network bringing together 1.170 agencies, for a turnover of EUR 2.5 billion. "It has been imagined before the crisis but it is meaningless today," observes François-Xavier de Boüard, co-Chair. The part was yet not won since Selectour and Shu'afat Voyages were voluntary networks of independent agencies, which had to be convinced. However, two signs were retained, as much by concern economic (cost to impose a new brand is exorbitant) practice, in order to avoid duplication in many cities. The two new Giants meet the same logic, namely, be strong enough to better negotiate with producers sets. "It's certainly get better tariff conditions, but especially secure access to the products", says Gilles Delaruelle, Chairman of Havas recreation. Another imperative: reach a critical size in order to distribute exclusive products and stand out from the competition. Havas Voyages will rely on the production of his house mother new frontiers, which has concocted a specific brochure.

The time of alliances

Objective: achieve 20 of sales leisure with the products of the group. For its part, AS travel has established partnerships with certain vendors, who prepared him in return for brochures in white mark. Finally, consolidation appears as one of the keys to counter the rise of the Web. "30 of the sales of travel through the Internet, 50 tomorrow." "To exist, we must be able to offer exclusive products, while providing an additional service to customers, who must choose between the Internet and our physical agencies", said Gilles Delaruelle.

In this context of consolidation, no one could take the risk of being marginalized. Tourcom and Manor networks chose their turn to move. Not merging but in an alliance which "shall be any structural fusion." "Each will remain independent and separate", said Richard Vainopoulos, President of Tourcom whose network represents 570 points of sale. Manor (400 agencies), which works rather like a purchase power, had an agreement with Thomas Cook opening to its members the franchise of the giant and its central payment. In the new Covenant, Manor members will have access to structures Tourcom (Central payment, card production, groups). The set will have more weight vis-à-vis suppliers and for common investments. Other voluntary structure, Cediv (150 points of sale) will sign with AS travel, here again to use its power of payment and to the benefit of certain agreements.

In the end, only the networks of the large distribution, Carrefour travel (102 agencies), and Leclerc travel (175), which weighs them two 750 million euros, appear to be out of the fuss is about. So far, nothing would prevent partnerships term. "Leclerc travel consists of independent and develops a near policy of ours." "It could very well consider Exchange or common developments", launches François-Xavier de Boüard, at AS travel. An appeal of the foot