ARTAC member Woodley Travel has threatened to derack operators’ brochures unless it is paid a fee amid fears of growing direct-sell tactics by suppliers.
The Cheshire-based independent is thought to be the only travel agent to charge operators for the privilege of being racked.
Warner Holidays is the first company to receive a letter from the agent, detailing plans to charge the operator £1 per brochure racked.
Woodley Travel director George Lykavgis claimed the supplier was engaged in direct-sell practices with members of his staff while they were on a Warner holiday. He has written to Warner outlining his plans.
“All operators are involved in direct sell. Agents talk about the threat of the Internet, digital television and direct-sell, but no-one is doing anything about it,” said Lykavgis.
“We have so many brochures to rack each year. But space is at a premium and not all provide a good revenue stream. I have to ensure that I am getting maximum profit per brochure distributed.
“Ihave not approached the bigger operators yet because they still provide a large chunk of our revenue.”
Warner described Woodley Travel’s tactics as an “interesting concept” but had no plans to pay a fee. Warner divisional sales director Nick Burrows said:”We don’t have direct- sell practices delivered with the aggression that has been described.
“We work closely with retailers by offering different commission levels and support.
“All our properties have material for customers who can choose to book direct or through travel agents. It is their choice. We have not yet received Mr Lykavgis’ letter, but will look at it and respond accordingly,” he added.
ARTAC chairman Colin Heal said that Woodley was going against the principles of the agency consortium.
“We do not have a policy of charging suppliers and can hardly start insisting a fee be paid,” said Heal. “We have commercial deals in place with more than 100 suppliers which gives members enhanced commission levels and marketing support in return for free brochure racking,” said Heal.
“We will look into the Woodley case but agents do have the opportunity to opt out of our commercial deals,” he added.