Travel agent group urges Disney Cruise Line to reverse commission cap
The American Society of Travel Agents is urging Disney Cruise Line to reverse its recent commission decrease for members whose clients book future cruises on board one of the company’s ships.
In October, Disney capped the commission in such cases at 10 percent. It had previously been as much as 16 percent.
An ASTA survey found 70 percent of members would recommend another cruise line as a result. ASTA said its survey found 93 percent of agents are “very” or “somewhat” concerned by the change. The trade association conducted the association five months after Disney lowered the cap.
ASTA said in a press release the change “reduces the incentive for the most successful agents to steer consumers to Disney.”
Tourists often rely on travel agents’ suggestions, ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby said in a press release. “Because of the breadth and quality of cruise inventory available, agents have many alternatives to suggest,” he said.
Kerby said one of its partners, Virtuoso, has dropped Disney as a preferred supplier because of the cap decrease.
A Disney spokeswoman did not have immediate comment Monday. Disney said last year the change is one of many adjustments the company makes in its business.
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