The Guild of Travel Management Companies has condemned a European Union proposal to allow airlines to discriminate between the fares bought through different distribution channels.
Under the proposal, airlines would not have to replicate the fares available on their websites on the global distribution system.
GTMC chief executive Philip Carlisle said if this went ahead it would take far longer for travel management companies to locate the cheapest fare.
“We believe the EU should be prohibiting discrimination between distribition channels rather than encouraging it. This would lead to more time consuming, comparing and searching for fares – which is not in the best interest of the traveller.
“In addition there would be the need for further investment in technology tool by TMCs so they can meet the added pressure.”
The GTMC has joined forces with the Guild of European Business Travel Agents and the European Travel Agents and Tour Operators Association to counter the proposal.