FORTE is to guarantee the payment of commission within 15 days of guests checking out.
The statement came as parent Granada announced an 8% increase in operating profit for the hotel division to £132m for the six months to March 27.
The group said it had canvassed agents about what they wanted, only to be told being paid on time was paramount.
Granada chief executive Charles Allen said: “We got together with agents and were told that commission waiting times were important. This system we have introduced is part of an initiative to improve relations with our business partners.”
Financial results show upmarket brand Le Meridien is performing well with operating profits up 10% to £63m. Brand expansion plans are on track with new purchases being made in western Europe and North America and other contracts have also been established.
Forte’s other brands also performed well. Posthouse’s operating profit was up 6% to £56m, Heritage’s up 10% to £16m and London Signature’s up 2% to £32m. Forte’s roadside operation Travelodge also saw an increase in operating profits from 9% to £62m.