Thomson in plan to launch MasterCard

Thomson, the UK’s biggest holiday operator, is considering launching a credit card.

Sources say the card is likely to be a MasterCard and could be developed in conjunction with US company Capital One.

The launch would complement Thomson’s existing business and could appeal to members of the Thomson Founders Club, made up of 700,000 investors who took shares in the company when it floated last year.

But Thomson refuses to confirm or deny the move. Marketing and commercial director Shaun Powell says: “I am unaware of that story.” Credit card company Capital One also refuses to comment on potential parties with whom it might enter into a partnership.

Powell has a background in financial services. He joined Thomson just under two years ago from Barclaycard.

Since then, he has set up an innovations unit, managed by former Unilever product development manager Nicola Meadley and supported by two former marketing managers from Barclaycard.

The travel sector is in the midst of consolidation. News emerged this week that First Choice Holidays would be merging with Kuoni Holidays, while holiday company Preussag is linking up with Thomas Cook and Carlson.