This week in: Featuring BA commission axe, ‘unprecedented discounting’ and Holiday Hypermarkets acquisition

• The trade was "cautiously optimistic” about summer 2010 sales. But as agents battled to get into their shops after snowfall of up to 18 inches, winter holiday sales continued to suffer.

• A dispute between administrators of failed Scottish operator and credit firm E-Clear reached the courts this month. E-Clear was given until mid-January to prove it had the £35 million that administrators said it was withholding.

• The industry rallied to support a charity appeal to provide drinking water for survivors of an earthquake in Haiti that killed more than 100,000 people.

• For the first time, the industry pulled together with sector skills council People 1st to submit a bid to government to create a worth £2 million.

• Holiday discounts for summer 2000 reached an ‘unprecedented' 30% after a slow start to trading. It was believed to be the first time companies had offered 30% off, with the first offered by as the market traded at around 19% down on last year.

• Agents reacted with fury to 's decision to scrap commission from January 1, 2001, and introduce fees from £5. BA sold 85% of its tickets through agents.

• Also this month, took full control of by purchasing the stakes owned by United Norwest and West Midlands Co-ops. It paid £37.6 million, plus £9 million to cover debts. It already owned 25%.

• It was revealed media giant Flextech was to sell its 12.5% stake in to Kuoni in a deal worth £7 million.

• was rumoured to be set to buy Greece specialist Manos, while Lunn Poly opened its first shop specifically for families, based in Coventry.

• As the trade entered its busy sales period, retailers were hopeful summer 1975 business would not be the disaster many feared if sales continued at the high levels seen in December 1974.

• It was revealed inclusive tour operators and ABC firms would be levied at a rate of 1% of turnover once legislation for the new reserve fund, set up after 's 1974 collapse, was passed.

• Northern agents mounted a joint advertising blitz to promote the new reserve fund, promising clients' holidays would be financially protected.

• In a comment piece in Travelnews' January 23 edition, the decision to cancel the project was seen as a "sad decision” by most in the trade, except cross-Channel ferry operators.

• Meanwhile, some leading operators said they were considering leaving because they felt their views were not taken account of.