±±¾©Èü³µpk10

Kuoni, the long-haul tour operator, is poised to review its pounds

8.5m media buying and planning, currently with CIA Medianetwork.

In December Kuoni bought Voyages Jules Verne and its associated

companies, Travel Promotions and Tropical Worldwide, a UK based group of

specialist and predominately direct-sell tour operators. The acquisition

prompted a rethink of its media strategy.

Steve Diedrich, senior marketing manager of Kuoni, said: ’Since we

acquired Voyages Jules Verne, we have been looking at ways to get the

best out of our media. That may include a review.’

An official review has yet to be announced but CIA is expected to

repitch.

The creative account, held by Mitchell Patterson Grime Mitchell, is

unaffected.

Kuoni is the fourth largest holiday advertiser in the UK. Lunn Poly

spends around pounds 11.6m, Forte spends pounds 10.7m and Thomas Cook

spends pounds 10.5m.

Voyages Jules Verne had a combined adspend of pounds 6.4m (ACNMEAL)

bought through CKBT. This agency is not expected to pitch for the

combined business.

Kuoni has not yet said how much it intends to spend on advertising in

the future.

Last year CIA lost two major clients, BT and Lloyds TSB.

The acquisition of Voyages Jules Verne provides Kuoni with an entry into

European tour operating. The company has previously concentrated on

long-haul holidays.