Operators reject commission concerns

OPERATORS have dismissed fears they plan to cut commission to agents, despite most ABTA Convention delegates' belief that such a move is inevitable.

Kuoni managing director Sue Biggs admitted the operator's commission payments to agents are "fairly tight” but said there was commitment to the trade through training and educationals.

She claimed agents could earn £275 for an average booking with Kuoni, which gets 85% of its business through the trade. "We have no plans to reduce or stop commission,” she said.

Cresta managing director Steve Kimber urged agents to book packages rather than separate components independently to maximise their earning potential.

Cosmos managing director Terry Williamson said while independent operators often paid more commission than the big four, they did not necessarily get the support they deserved from agents.

Meanwhile, agents warned they would take action should operators go down the same route as airlines and said not all agents could rely on customers being amenable to service fees.

Worldchoice chairman Colin Heal said: "We have pledged to fight commission cuts to the death. If any operators try to cut it, we will switch-sell.”