China Airlines has advised agents it will change its upfront commission from 5% to 2% for tickets issued from 1 February 2023 ex NZ to world destinations (eg AKL-BNE, AKL-TPE and beyond).

In a statement to trade last week, CI notes that the easing of the pandemic and lifting of border restrictions mean that demand for travel is now on the rise again.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), says it will pay travel advisors commission on non-commissionable fares (NCFs).

NCL is the first major contemporary cruise line to compensate travel advisors on NCFs for reservations booked outside of the 120-day window.

Rail Online CEO James Dunne says the latest Eurail sales data indicates that less than a quarter of Eurail bookings are being made through a travel agent, pre-pandemic this figure was more like half.

‘Rail Online is offering 7% commission and with the average value of a Eurail Pass $500 per person we would like to see these high value bookings come through from the trade,’ Dunne adds.

Now is the time for agents to reconsider whether they are an agency or a consultancy business.

Air New Zealand announced last week that point-of-sale commission levels are reducing from 5% to 1% for long haul routes and 3% to 0% for short haul routes. This will have an immediate effect on travel agents’ and consultants’ business income. Now you have no choice but to take control of your own business profits.

The Travel Agents' Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) says agents will feel let down by the national carrier's announcement that it is reducing front end commissions next year.

The airline advised brand heads and TAANZ yesterday that from 1 July 2022 it is adjusting current New Zealand point of sale commission levels from 5% to 1% for long haul routes and 3% to 0% for short haul routes.

Offering ‘out of the way places’ and special experiences that clients would find dificult to access under their own steam, is one of the keys to MoaTours’ operations says founder Ena Hutchinson.

The specialist in small group tours for mature travellers also offers opportunities for travel agents and brokers as the country sets its sights on opening up domestic tourism.