Minimum CRS rules must be kept in Europe – lobby group
A minimum set of rules governing computer reservations systems in Europe must be maintained, an industry lobby group has urged the European Commission.
The Coalition for Fair Access to Reservations in Europe (C-FARE) called on the Commission to fully assess the impact on the European travel distribution industry and consumers before proposing any reform of the EU’s code of conduct for CRSs.
This is essential if the EC is to find a better, more balanced solution than full deregulation, the organisation claimed.
C-FARE executive director Brandon Mitchener told a conference of airlines, travel agents and travel managers in Brussels: “Continuing airline ownership of the largest European CRS and airline consolidation in Europe makes it more important than ever for the Commission to maintain a minimum set of rules to protect European consumers.
“Travel distribution in Europe is highly innovative and efficient and continues to benefit from a clear set of bright-line rules. There are clear and workable alternatives to the status quo and to full deregulation that retain the most critical protections of these rules.
“As long as major European airlines continue to own stakes in a major CRS, sensible and balanced reforms are called for. We will be working with the Commission over the coming months to flesh that out.”
Rainer Klee, chairman of German C-FARE member AERTiCKET AG, said: “It is vitally important that the European Commission conduct a full and detailed analysis of the travel distribution industry in the enlarged EU. After a careful study, the Commission’s proposal must balance the interests of all stakeholders – airlines, travel agents, CRSs – but above all European consumers, who deserve unfettered access to the best fares and travel options wherever they live in the EU.”
C-FARE claims airlines that own CRSs have a well-documented history of using the incentive and means of their ownership to engage in “discredited practices that stifle competition and consumer choice”.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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