Distribution and sales director Fraser Ellacott told TTG that he was “really comfortable” with Tui’s current distribution mix which sees “just under” 10% of the company’s sales being made through third-party agents.

Ellacott described Virgin Holidays’ decision last month to stop selling through the trade as “an interesting move”. He added: “That’s their choice but from our perspective we can say that we are comfortable with the distribution mix that we have. I feel that it’s broadly about right.

“We get great support from key agents in certain regions who we work with closely to benefit our customers and we will continue to do that. “It’s important to realise that some customers will want to book through a third party. It’s not our choice where customers should book.” Ellacott said there was a “balance” to be found over how much distribution needed to be controlled directly.

“We obviously want strong control of our distribution but at the same time we don’t feel we need to get to a point where we have 100% control,” he added. “We also use affiliates online and they provide a good support channel for us.”