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%.
TravelMole Editorial Team
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.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season