Murray raises issue over travel pricing

Managing Director of Universal Travel, Ken Murray, is adamant that travel agencies, particularly here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are at the bitter end of the deal when it comes to the travel industry.

His concern was raised last Saturday evening during his company’s 10th anniversary awards banquet held at the Tropic Breeze Hotel.{{more}}

In the presence of official representatives from various airline companies including LIAT, Air Jamaica and Caribbean Star, Murray highlighted the concern shared by his colleagues in the travel industry. His expressed grouse was the recent decision by one Caribbean airline to reduce the commission ususally paid out to booking agencies here.

Sending a heated concern to airline companies, the travel agency director pointed out that local travel agencies have to survive as part of the food chain in the travel industry. In fact, his concern over the issue may have raised a few eyebrows among the invited guests seated in the presence of airline officials during the ceremony.

“You have a company going to government for money and still our percentages have been cut from nine to six per cent,” the travel agency director said.

The commission reduction referred to was taken by a Caribbean airline only last week, though similar steps had been taken by international companies, some since the aftermath of September 11, 2002. Since that time businesses in the travel industry have experienced significant cutbacks due to a fall in international travel.

And though it may seem that travel agencies have accepted the arrangements formally, it became evident that most agencies are not too pleased with the commission adjustments made by the Caribbean airline.