United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Cruise specialists fight back over Carnival’s new payment policy
Complete Cruise Solution is being put under pressure by a group of 70 cruise specialists to reconsider its new policy of bypassing agents.
The agents, all members of Leading Cruise Agents of the UK, said changes by CCS, the trade sales arm of P&O Cruises, Cunard Line and Princess Cruises, would penalise “professional cruise agents for the shortcomings of the few who have conducted their businesses less than sensibly”.
In a statement released today, LCA co-Chair Ian Hopley (Travelux), said: “Of course we understand the scale of risk and the challenges facing CCS and other large cruise companies during this difficult economic time, and we stand ready to review and discuss solutions which mitigate those risks, but which also acknowledge and respect those many agents who operate sensibly in terms of discounting, and with integrity in terms of financials.”
He said CCS should accept that its own commercial decisions have led to, and “if not actively encouraged” heavy discounting.
“In response, our members are now having to apply the financial scenario of a commission level below what we believe is a realistic and sustainable level,” he said.
“Furthermore, it now appears that, together with so much direct contact already existing between principal and our clients – be it online activity, self-ticket printing, or direct marketing material and communications – we are to have another step in the agent-to-client relationship removed, by making payments a direct process.”
He said the CCS should not undermine or penalise LCA members “by self-determined practices totally beyond their control”.
“The fact that they are proposing a new business model for travel agents suggests strongly that CCS does actually acknowledge the popularity of travel agents with consumers, and accept that it needs to work with us as a path to market,” he added.
by Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak