The Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) has supported the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) in criticising the hotel industry for their direct selling campaigns.
The GTMC accused the hotel industry of “undermining” the B2B market and “destroying their relationship” with travel management companies (TMCs).
Juliet Price, consultant executive director of HBAA, said: “Our own agency members are similarly frustrated by the impact that this approach is having in the B2B marketplace.
“Whilst understanding that the hotels’ efforts to encourage and entice direct bookings are aimed at those using online travel agencies (OTAs), this strategy significantly undermines the value and advantages that the traditional agency sales channel delivers, as well as causing confusion for customers and corporate procurement.”
The HBAA also encouraged hoteliers to recognise the valuable business offered by TMCs and hotel booking agencies compared to OTAs. It asked hotels to allow agencies to have the same terms when booking on the behalf of customers.
