Travel agents appeal for unity to fight for the issue of commissions
ETW STAFF – Mumbai
In wake of the recent order passed by the Supreme Court directing airlines to not charge transaction fee in any form while selling tickets on both domestic and international sectors, the Indian travel agents associations have decided to approach the apex court shortly to seek a review on the directive. A round table panel discussion recently organised by Express TravelWorld witnessed heads of travel associations voice their opinion on the matter and discuss reasons as to why issues raised by the travel agents’ fraternity are not taken seriously by the government. The panel discussion on ‘Travel agents: A survival story’ moderated by Reema Lokesh, editor, Express Travel World and Express Hospitality had members like Iqbal Mulla, president, TAAI; Ajay Prakash, immediate past president, TAFI; Karl Dantas, president, ETAA; Hector D’souza, president, L’Orient Travels and Heena Munshaw of Beacon Holidays.
The need for unity among travel agents to fight for better commissions was the common consensus among the panelists. “Mere talking with the government will not solve the issues on commission/ transaction fees. Nobody cares about the travel agent anymore. It is imperative that the travel associations gear up and increase their membership and be united if they want to be heard and taken more seriously. I think it is foolish to approach the government to clarify the remuneration issue, as the time for talk is over and more action is needed,” opined Prakash.
The industry representatives also discussed the need for professionalism and code of ethics to help enhance, and not undercut each other’s businesses. “As everyone is vying for the same pie of profit in the industry today, we are surrendering our weakness to the clients. Forging unity among travel agents will be difficult at this stage as there are many associations in Maharashtra itself. Everybody wants to be the head of the association,” said Mulla. “Agents themselves need to behave more professionally and there has to be a code of ethics. We are so fragmented, we can’t even lobby and nobody is taking us seriously,” added Prakash.
Giving a perspective on the change in market dynamics, D’Souza added, “Consumer behaviour has changed due to inflation, economic slowdown. How do we adjust to this consumer change is the way forward. Travel agents need to realise this and adjust with the changing market trends.”
Munshaw strongly opined, “One platform is the need of the hour for the fraternity to express their issues. But there should be unity among the members to be heard. A lot of homework is needed to be done to enhance the skills of those employed in the travel industry. ”
