TUI’S Irish tour operation is cutting ties with all independent agents.
Budget, which six months ago halved commission to independents from 10% to 5%, stops dealing with 600 agents in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland from December 31. It will only sell through its 40 Budget Travel shops, call centre and website.
TUI commercial and retail director Derek Jones said it had no impact on the UK. “We’ve no plans to follow this here.”
The move comes as TUI reveals it is close to firming up plans to axe commission on flight-only sales from 10% after changing its agency agreement last December.
It has since been in talks with agents and has been working on a replacement system offering net fares for the trade to add their own mark-up.
“We’re close to having the systems in place but are in discussions with key flight-only agents to understand the impact on their businesses,” said Jones.