26 IATA, 100 non-IATA agents to remain closed today
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Travel agents in Goa have joined in the nationwide protest against the withdrawal of six per cent transaction fee in air tickets by all airlines and demanded a fair deal if this business segment is to survive.
As many as 26 International Air Transport Association (IATA) travel agents active in Goa and around 100 non-IATA agents will remain closed today, May 7. As a result people will not be able to book tickets for a day.
In Goa, approximately Rs 75 lakh is generated by travel agents on air line ticket booking daily.
President of the Travel Agents’ Association of India (TAAI – Goa Unit) Arif Abdul Razaq said, “We are united with the All India Association of Travel Agents and will support whatever decision is arrived at Tuesday.”
Nilesh Shah, Past President of the Travel Agents’ Association of India (Goa Unit) said, “How are travel agents expected to survive if airlines stop the commission which is being paid to them.”
Shah said that from 9 per cent, the commission has shrunk to zero per cent pointing out that airlines now want customers to deal with them directly. They are also intending to charge for baggage weight and seat selection.It was pointed out that neither the airlines industry nor the government is listening to the travel agents and no positive response has been received even though the grievances have been brought to the attention of the Director General of Civil Aviation.
Agents expect the civil aviation ministry to work out a solution, following the token strike. A meeting with representatives of airlines and agents’ association is scheduled in Delhi Tuesday.
MARGAO: The Goa chapter of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) will participate in the nation wide “shutter down” strike on Tuesday.
The strike has been called tomorrow to safeguard the interest of citizens against what the Association termed as the unethical practices adopted by the Indian & Foreign Airlines operating in and out of India, besides some of the government policies.
The travel agents contended that apart operating cost of establishment, they have to buy tickets from airlines by issuing bank guarantees upfront. “On the other hand, dealing with corporate clients means extending a credit line of three-four weeks. Unless we are paid, how can we continue in business”, they demanded to know.
