ASTA calls for speedy agent payments on FTCs
The American Society of Travel Advisors is calling on suppliers to walk the walk.
While many companies have been commending the value of travel agencies in the current situation, few are paying out commissions in a timely manner for credit vouchers.
ASTA wants all suppliers to pay out on the issuance of future travel credits rather than at the time of the rebooked travel.
While some are paying agent compensation on the issuance of a credit voucher, most are not.
ASTA wants to make it a standard industry-wide practice.
"It stands to reason that when a travel voucher or FTC is issued as the result of a sale made by a travel advisor—whether outright or in lieu of a refund—the corresponding commission owed the advisor should be paid at the time the voucher is issued, not when the traveler takes the trip," said Mark Meader, ASTA SVP of industry affairs and education.
When FTCs are issued the supplier has obviously received full payment through the travel advisor, so commission should be paid out then, ASTA argues.
Having remitted monies to the supplier, it follows that the advisor has completed all of his or her obligations within the transaction.
At this point agent compensation should be immediate, ASTA said.
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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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