ADVANTAGE franchise agents have been expelled from the Campaign for Real Travel Agents despite chairman Chris Kirker recommending they be allowed to stay.
CARTA voted to take the action after claiming retailers who supported the alliance with Airtours could no longer claim to be independent.
Kirker had recommended the agents remain in CARTA following talks with Advantage commercial director Neil Armorgie (Travel Weekly February 2). The ruling, which will banish about 13 companies comprising 50 branches from CARTA, will be effective from the end of May when membership is due for renewal.
“The panel decided that the restrictions imposed on Advantage franchisees are contrary to the spirit of independence on which CARTA was founded,” said Kirker.