ABTA president Martin Wellings has warned agents commissions
from tour operators for mass-market European holidays could be
scrapped in the next decade.
Speaking at the Travel Technology Initiative conference in
London, Wellings predicted mass-market European operators will
ditch brochures in five years’ time because holidays can be
sold just as effectively direct online or through call
centres.
He believed this would lead to commissions being dramatically
reduced, or even scrapped, as high-street agents would no longer be
seen as cost-effective or viable distribution channels.
“When the public no longer demands brochures, operators
will move their marketing away from retailers. Their commission
would then match the generosity of the airlines,” Wellings
said.
“When operators don’t have to rack brochures they no
longer need agents.”
Wellings said commissions from long-haul operators were safe
“for the foreseeable future” as agents can help
holidaymakers create complex itineraries, while other non-European
trips would also continue to be booked through travel agents.