Thomson Travel Group buyout expected to boost tourism towards Malta
by Franco Aloisio
The international acquisition of Thomson Travel Group plc by the German giant package tour provider Preussag AG is expected to increase tourism programmes towards Malta, Thomson Holidays representative Gianfranco Selvaggi told The Malta Business Weekly.
Thomson Travel Group, which operates Thomson Holidays, is one of the top three European tour operators which brings over to Malta thousands of British tourists every year. Last Monday, Preussag AG bought the British operator Thomson Travel for £1.8bn. To obtain regulatory approval, Preussag's TUI will sell its majority holding in Thomas Cook, currently Britain's third largest travel agency, as well as half its share in Hapag-Lloyd AG.
Mr Selvaggi said the acquisition will not have any negative repercussions on the Maltese programme. On the contrary, Malta will be given more prominence by the new German operators.
"The aim will be to continue improving the tour operator programmes to Malta through TUI, Preussag's main brand. TUI and Thomson Travel share the same ethos as both give value to quality and environment in the tourism sector," Mr Selvaggi said.
On the buyout of Thomson Travel, Tourism Minister Michael Refalo yesterday said that Thomson Holidays has had a long and successful association with Malta and Maltese suppliers. The company's current package holiday program amounts to around 85,000 while a further 15,000 are carried on a seat only basis.
Dr Refalo said: "While Thomson Holidays have always been close to Malta's tourism community, TUI, in contrast with other large German tour operators, has somehow never really promoted the Maltese islands as much as we would have liked. I hope that Thomson's past experiences of Malta's tourism and future performance will lead to a more substantial TUI presence in our islands."
On the fast changing international trends in tourism, Dr Refalo warned: "Unless Malta and all Maltese understand that the watchwords for the decade are achieving quality and a better environment with concerted action directed towards that end, there is every chance we could find ourselves lagging behind our competitors in the race for custom."
Dr Refalo, who was addressing an award-giving ceremony organised by Thomson Holidays, said that Malta Tourism Authority chairman John C. Grech informed him that the changes which the government has made to the tour operator support scheme have been well received by the British operators. At present, Dr Grech is in the London for discussions with British operators.
"Most operators agree with the new emphasis on performance related premia as against the former scheme which had served us well, but where support was given on a flat rate basis. In time, the change from one type of scheme to another will make it possible for more support to become available to non-UK tour-operators," the minister said.
On the prospects of British tourism, Dr Refalo said May and June may be slightly lower than in 1999, while bookings for the period between July and October 2000 will exceed 1999 levels.
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