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Budget claims spark angry agent response
Ireland’s biggest package operator claims to have significantly increased bookings after cutting commission to travel agents and encouraging customers to book online.
Earlier this year, Budget Travel halved agent commissions to 5% and many retailers switched to offering competitor companies.
But Budget chief executive Eugene Corcoran said sales had increased by 20% in the first quarter of this year compared to last year.
“Things have changed dramatically in holidays and travel and we have no doubt that online bookings are the way forward.”
The statement drew an angry response from the Irish Travel Agents’ Association, which described the claims as “ridiculous and untrue”.
ITAA president Michael Doorley said that 95% of Irish agents had stopped selling Budget and the tour operator was trying to put a brave face on the situation.
Mr Corcoran admitted Budget had met stiff resistance from travel agents, particularly in provincial regions, but claimed internet bookings had more than made up for any drop in sales.
Phil Davies
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