Travel agents from Jetset Travelworld Group claim the probable JTG/Stella merger will have little impact on their ground operations, though some would like more information as the proceedings continue.

 “The merger benefits may be from an organisational point of view, putting [the merged entity] in better stead to compete with the big guns, but on the ground I can’t see it really affecting us,” one Jetset agency manager told e-Travel Blackboard.

“We’ve always competed with different brands, I don’t see that changing.”

This view was echoed in Flight Centre spokersperson’s response to the ACCC merger, who said that “franchisees have always competed vigorously at local level and I'm sure they will continue to do so”. 

A manager of a regional Jetset travel agency had “no idea” how the changes were going to officially affect their business, but speculated that the merger will “not change the way we sell”.

“When Orient Express came in, it didn’t really affect us – we just put those brochures on our shelves.”

The manager did state that, barring a short email sent yesterday, there had been little direct communication from the Group’s heads.

“Yesterday we were sent a short email, but no one’s really sat down to explain to us the ins and outs yet.”

“Being a country retailer, I’ll probably find out at the next Manager’s Meeting.”

The future chief executive of the merged entity, Peter Lacaze, assured that information was available “in the Explanatory Memorandum which is available on the Australian Stock Exchange or the JTG website”, and told e-Travel Blackboard that when the merger is officially completed, agents will receive further advice.