Travel management companies have been urged to be “open and transparent” about the issue of GDS opt-in fees.
The call came from Carlson Wagonlit Travel UK executive vice-president Andrew Waller.
Unlike some rivals, CWT is passing on the fees following Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan’s new distribution deals with British Airways.
Waller said: “There seems to be a lot of noise this week about some TMCs claiming that they will not overtly pass on GDS opt-in fees to their clients.
“I think this raises the issue of openness and transparency. In reality, the cumulative cost for any large TMC absorbing all opt-in fees for all its clients is significant.
“For CWT it would have been circa £750,00 every year. Are TMCs who choose not to pass on these new charges, simply taking this cost on their bottom line? If not, the opt-in charges will hit all corporations in one form or another.
“CWT’s position of passing on the opt-in fees as incurred is one of open transparency, which we believe better serves the interests of the industry and our clients.”
by Phil Davies
