Lysos,
Yes, I did read about Parador.
I dont think they will be the last of the 'big boys' to fall either.
I think the major problem with the bigger companies are the fact they made a lot of money a few years back and seemed to think that the good times will continuously roll. So they expanded, and got more staff and bigger overheads, then all of a sudden sales slowed to a level where the overheads were more than income, hence the Superior/Parador problems.
I still believe that if a company DOES offer good advice and customer service, without the 'hard-sell' techniques that have characterised this industry for far too long, there just may be some light at the end of the tunnel. The problem is, most of the bigger companies are set in their ways, and wont/cant change their attitudes before its too late.
Besides, potential purchasers are a lot more savvy now,then back when the likes of Superior, Parador, Those That Shall Not BE Named et al, were making their money by 'getting bums on seats' and flying people here there and everywhere.
I totally agree with MTPG too, especially this line "Maybe some day we will see a company that expands due to its credibility , respectability ,one that goes beyond the call of duty rather than resorting to the inspection flight/ HARD SELL syndrome".
The market is changing, its now up to the overseas property agents to change too.
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