Advantage has started talks with preferred operators to thrash out issues highlighted by its ‘agent-friendly’ survey.
The results, likely to be shared with Triton Travel Group members Worldchoice and Global Travel Group, could mean some suppliers are dropped. The information may also be factored into future commercial talks.
The consortium’s tough stance on its 120 preferred suppliers, 110 of which responded to the survey, comes the same week it is due to decide whether it continues to work with all of its current accommodation-only suppliers.
The survey found 14% of operators only mention direct channels when sending mailouts to customers; 26% mention agents selectively; and 60% always mention booking through an agent.
Commercial director Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “The issue is where we do not have a level playing field. We do not ask for anything more than a mention in the call to action that agents are one of the distribution channels.”
The survey also showed 45% of operators do not pay commission on all compulsory supplements, such as ticket-on-departure charges.
Lo Bue-Said said: “Agents are being asked to include these supplements in the booking but not getting paid for them. It results in the gross commission being reduced.”
Other findings, such as 9% of operator contact numbers being based on premium rates and 19% of operators capturing customer details in resorts, will also be addressed.
Some results are positive, however. In total 95% of operators said members have access to the same price as a consumer direct and 82% of operators would consider running an educational this year for Advantage agents.