AVRO has done a dramatic U-turn and ditched plans to introduce across-the-board commission cuts.
The move follows the departure of distribution director Haico van der Steen who decided to slash commission levels from an average of 13% to an average of 11% from June 1 (Travel Weekly May 17). These cuts were not introduced.
Avro said Van der Steen had left the company, which he joined eight months ago, because of the long drive from his home in Folkestone to Avro’s London offices.
His replacement, former commercial manager John Fitz-Gerald, said he was reviewing Avro’s commission levels. “I don’t think it would be sensible to cut commission to those agents who are probably going to give us 20%-30% more business this year.”
Fitz-Gerald admitted Avro may reduce commission to its least productive agents.
Meanwhile, Avro has launched its first ever national incentive scheme for agents. The scheme, called Lucky Stars, will run for 12 months and gives agents the chance to win prizes from long-haul holidays to shopping vouchers by entering their names in a monthly draw.