NEWS CONFERENCE REPORT
Elite Travel Group Conference 2017: Credit card fees and data protection rules among topics at agency group’s annual event as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Juliet Dennis reports from Calvia, Majorca
Neil Basnett, Elite Travel Group, with Carrick Travel’s Christine Edgeller, Sharon McLoughlin and Helen Sanders
Members urge consortia to negotiate better card rates
Elite Travel Group members have called on consortia and Abta to negotiate better credit card charges on their behalf ahead of next year’s abolition of fees for consumers.
The ban on surcharging for
credit and debit card payments for most transactions, including flight and holiday bookings, applies from January 13, 2018. Some agents have already negotiated reduced card fees, while some operators are increasing commission to offset the cost for agents.
But Carrick Travel, which has negotiated lower rates, urged Elite to take a more active role and talk to banks. Director Tracey Carter said: “Elite has to do something to get these fees down.” Sue Foxall, managing director of Kinver Travel, said: “It’s down
“It’s down to Elite to do something or press Advantage to do deals with the banks”
to Elite to do something or press Advantage to see what deals the banks can come up with. There will be agents who really suffer.” Elite Travel Group chief
executive Neil Basnett promised to consult the board of directors but added that Advantage, with which Elite is affiliated, was better placed to hold talks because of its size. He said: “Advantage will have
more clout than Elite.” Agents also called for more support from Abta. Nathan Collins, director at RB Collection, said: “Abta needs to lobby card providers for better rates.” Colin Matthews, managing
director of Travel Club Elite, added: “If Abta could compile a best practice guide then you have got something to target.” Simon Bunce, Abta’s director
TV presenter Stuart Linnell, moderator; Simon Bunce, Abta; Sue Foxall, Kinver Travel; and Sarah Archer, Beachcomber
of legal affairs, told delegates: “It is difficult for Abta to get into negotiations with card providers. We have produced guidance and agents need to work out what is best for their business.”
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travelweekly.co.uk 19 October 2017
WHAT ARE YOU
DOING ABOUT THE ABOLITION OF
CREDIT CARD FEES?
Colin Matthews, Travel Club Elite “We will offer incentives, like vouchers [to encourage non- card sales] and talk to banks.”
Hazel Bryant, Travel with Kitts “We moved card acquirers to get a better rate. We will still take credit cards but just for holiday deposits if possible.”
Frances Peake, Peakes Travel “We renegotiated our fees and stopped charging for credit cards from October 1.”
Barry Moxley, Traveltime “We spoke to credit card companies a year ago to renegotiate rates.”
Keith Butterfield, Number One Travel “We will approach credit card companies and talk to suppliers to get commissions up.”
PICTURES: ANDY HUNTLEY
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