Shop Closure

[TYM]

Just in case fiction gets in the way of fact and to pre-empt any rumours, I thought I would post on here to let people know what is about to happen with G.S. Travel. I have decided to close both Campbeltown and Lochgilphead Shops with effect from 31st December. There are basically 4 reasons for this decision.

1 - The Travel Ageny world is changing dramatically and I want to change the business at a time of my choosing, not 3 or 4 years down the line when I might have been forced to close.

2 - Rising costs. Some businesses are in the fortunate position of passing on rising costs to their customers. We cannot.

3 - Falling comission rates. Travel Agents live by the comission they earn. Since the beginning of 2006, two of the biggest Tour Operators have slashed the comissions levels they pay by 50%. Making this up becomes increasingly difficult.

4 - The Internet. The same Tour Operators plus some others then offer online discounts well in excess of the amounts of comission they pay us thereby making it impossible to compete. This does not happen all of the time but the public perception seems to be that this is always the case.

There will continue to be a Personalised Travel Service in the area as I will be joining the Queen' s Award winning Agency Travelcounsellors.co.uk. Unfortunately that means that I will be parting company with my two excellent work colleagues who have been very loyal and supportive over many years.

The business will continue to trade normally until the end of the year. Any ongoing business after that date will be dealt with personally by myself

Tommy Millar
G.S. Travel

[Pete Reek]

This news is both unexpected and sad. I have dealt with GS Travel on various occasions and found them to be very professional and responsive to the travellers needs.
When the traveller gets into trouble like those instances seen on Airline for example, they have no one to turn to for help. They are discarded and told they are to blame, never the system.

I would like to tell you how much I appreciate you and your colleagues' effort to ease my travel problems over the years, and wish you all well in the days ahead.

[4th gen Suthen']

That is a right shame Tommy
but I know you will be doing the right thing.

[Ship called Dignity]

Yes, sad news indeed Tommy. Best wishes for the future.

[Logs]

Sad news...but you have to do what is the right thing for the business. I just want to say thanks for getting us the perfect flights for our honeymoon! Without GS Travel we would have been going via 3 different airports on budget airlines, with overnight stops. But thank you for getting us on a direct BA flight from Scotland!!

Logs