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NATAS says end close in Singapore travel agent standoff
The dispute which has resulted in a mass desertion of the 2015 NATAS travel fair by Singapore travel agents, has almost been resolved, travel agent association NATAS said.
"The outcome was very positive. We are quite close to achieving what we set out to achieve, which is to have one fair, rather than two competing fairs," said NATAS president Devinder Ohri.
Last week 24 agents confirmed they would boycott the NATAS fair in March and organize their own competing travel agent event in Singapore, to be held on the same day.
The travel agents have cited the high public admission charges, which is causing falling attendances, and the lack of transparency on how the revenue is used.
"Things are looking very bright," added Ohri, who said the main issues are about 80% resolved.
"It is a commercial decision if our members should choose to organise their own travel fair, and we have no issues with them doing so."
"However, we are of the opinion that having a single travel fair will benefit the industry and consumers the most in the long run, and we will continue to engage our members to bring this matter to a swift resolution," he said.
The association said for next year’s shows in March and August the entrance fee would be waived.
It says this is not a concession to the dissenting agents but to celebrate Singapore’s 50th year of nationhood.
Booth rental costs -a major bone of contention for many agents -will also be reduced by up to 22%.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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