Ebookers chief quits over ad budget cuts

Ebookers chief marketing officer Glenn Trouse has quit to become a non-executive director at the company following its decision to slash advertising spend.

Trouse will continue to advise on marketing for the online travel agency. The company says it has “no plans” to find a new marketing chief.

The company plans to scale down its advertising budget – currently &£219,000 – and focus on press ads rather than a mix of TV, billboards and Internet advertising.

Ebookers investor relations manager Oliver Strong says: “We had a period of above-the-line advertising last year, but at this stage the best way to develop the company at the lowest cost is by doing a mix of print media.”

Ebookers was set up in 1999 by Flightbookers, but it managed to buy out Flightbookers last November. It claims to receive 3 million hits per month.

The company has offices in 11 European countries including the UK, and specialises in discount fares from 120 European airlines.

The company also offers package holidays, car hire, hotel booking and insurance. A text messaging service, Flight Watch, sends people information on the progress of a flight, for example if you are meeting someone at the airport.

The company expects to break even in the fourth quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2002.