Gordon McCreadie, who looks after both brands, said that a reduction in the geographical area covered by each on the road rep would be better for both the companies and agents.

“The guys were going out and finding lots of opportunities and new business, but were stretched so far they found it difficult to follow up,” he said.

“We’ve looked at where each brand’s strengths were and we’ve reduced the geographical areas that the team will manage individually.” Tracy Hirsz, head of sales B2B UK and Ruth Hilton, head of sales and business development, will both report into McCreadie as will Tina Hodge, national account manager.

Hilton will also head up a team of three managing the existing Thomas Cook and Gold Medal relationship. Across both teams there will be more than 800 staff.

“We’re not stepping away, we’re not downsizing; we’re going to do more fam trips and more events,” McCreadie said.

“This isn’t a way of reducing costs or taking people out of the business."

“We’ve seen too many instances over the year of businesses joining up, and one plus one becoming one and half or even worse: one."

“We are Travel 2 and Gold Medal,” he added.

The commitment by Travel 2 and Gold Medal to the trade comes just days after rival long-haul operator Virgin Holidays decided to burn its bridges and go direct.

“I’m sorry for agents who maybe did support that brand and who’ve been left high and dry,” McCreadie said.

He also insisted that both Gold Medal and Travel 2 would maintain their support for agents.

“We want to continue to work with the trade in partnership. That’s the key for us,” he added.