Never before have I dealt with a company with such arrogance as Canadian Affair.
A long-standing client came into our office to ask us to book his trip to Canada to the value of £2,500, he had already obtained a quote from Canadian Affair. After searching on its system, I realised there was a big difference in the price, so I called the operator to book.
After being quoted £2,780 for the same trip I asked why my client had been given a price of £2,500. I was told this was because it was a direct booking.
I then explained my client was with me and ready to book. Why couldn’t the lower price be honoured? The reply was quite clear. “Take it or leave it.” Pay the higher price or tell your client to call us direct.
My loyal client then called Canadian Affair, asked to make the booking and, after obtaining the lower quote once again, said: “Yes I would like to book that – but only through my travel agent”.
This was rejected. Not wishing to be put off he asked: “Why is the price offered to the travel agent far higher?” To my astonishment the reply was “because the agents charge too much”.
What a cheek. Still not wishing to be put off he said: “But I want to pay in cash as I don’t have a credit card”. Still the booking was rejected.
Holding my hands up in defeat, I told my client I could not match the deal, but instead quoted a higher price with Bluebird Holidays.
He said: “I have used this agency for the past six years and I can see that if I support the operator direct, then this or any other agency will not be around any longer to service my travel requirements.”
So out came the credit card and he made the booking with us and Bluebird.
Consequently all references to Canadian Affair have been removed from this officeand I will make sure that every agent I speak to will hear this story.
Barry Coleman,
Welcome Abroad Travel
Leicester
n Travel Weekly would welcome a response from Canadian Affair.