The Global Travel Group has temporarily suspended its agent commission payment system.
Managing director Andy Stark said the move was a protection measure for agents.
If a booking is cancelled, Global members are required to pay back commission to the consortium.
Commission on new bookings will be held by Global and paid to agents once the suspension is lifted, Stark said.
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“This week it became apparent that the Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel for 30 days would impact booking cancellations for many Global Travel Group members,” Stark said.
“As a result, the commission profile for the vast majority of Global Travel Group members continues to change dramatically, with many members falling into a negative balance position, and ultimately owing monies to Global Travel Group.
“Effective immediately, Global Travel Group will temporarily suspend the commission gateway in order to protect members and remove immediate pressure to repay commissions.
“The temporary policy is intended to future proof the business, mitigate the impact of this extremely challenging situation and continuing to protect as many Global Travel Group members as possible.
“We understand that this will not be news that is easy to take for some members, but trust that they understand that the decision has not been taken lightly or without deep consideration, and is part of Global Travel Group’s effort to mitigate the impact of this extremely challenging situation we all find ourselves in.”