Travelscene American Express CEO Mike Thompson at the NCC.

There was no tip-toeing around the "800 pound gorilla in the room" at a Travelscene American Express (TSAX) conference, as TSAX Chief Executive Mike Thompson discussed the impact of the proposed Stella and Jetset Travelworld Group (JTG) merger.

Mr Thompson told delegates at last weekend's TSAX National Consultants Conference that the "fairly significant changes" resulting from the proposed merger between JTG and Stella would have little effect on the day to day operations of TSAX members.

"From our point of view it will be all changes and no changes," Mr Thompson said.

"There will be, inevitably, some changes, but these will more likely be behind the scenes and not likely to impact you.

"We will not be merged into another part of the business. We will not lose our identity."

A member of Stella, Travelscene American Express has built up a strong brand name and the merger would not take anything away from that Mr Thompson told e-Travel Blackboard.

According to Mr Thompson, Peter Lacaze who is set to head the merged entity has a strong focus on the brand "so that we're empowered and supported".