BermudAir doubles down on agent commissions amid industry shakeup

As discussion over travel advisor commissions ripples through Canada's travel industry, BermudAir is charting a different course.

Bermuda’s flag carrier on Tuesday (July 7) unveiled a new Advisor Commission Pledge, reaffirming a long-term commitment to Canadian travel advisors through standard commissions, sales support, training programs and marketing investments.

The announcement comes after Air Canada introduced changes to its agency compensation model, reducing commissions on some fares while eliminating them altogether on others – a move that sparked widespread concern and criticism from travel advisors across Canada.

"Travel advisors are not simply a sales channel, they are one of the foundations of our business," said Adam Scott, founder & CEO of BermudAir, in a press release. "While others are reassessing their investment in the trade, we're strengthening ours. Our Advisor Commission Pledge reflects our confidence in the advisor community and our commitment to growing together."

The pledge

Under the pledge, BermudAir says it will continue paying standard commissions of four per cent on all Economy fare families and eight per cent on Business Class bookings made through Canadian travel agencies.

Those commissions will continue to be paid at the time of ticketing, and agencies will not need preferred agreements to qualify.

READ MORE: "Jewels of the Caribbean": BermudAir to fly from Toronto to Turks & Caicos and Anguilla

The airline also pledged to maintain enhanced partnership opportunities for agencies looking to grow their BermudAir business, while continuing to invest in Canadian business development, account management, co-operative marketing, FAM trips, sales incentives and advisor education.

Nicole Conrad, BermudAir's business development director for Canada, said the airline views advisors as an integral part of its growth strategy.

"Our philosophy is simple," she said.  "When travel advisors prosper, BermudAir prospers. Every booking deserves to be rewarded, whether it's an advisor's first BermudAir reservation or their five-hundredth."

Beyond commissions, BermudAir said Canadian advisors will continue to have access to dedicated sales support, destination training, booking tools through Sabre and Amadeus, and one of the carrier's signature advisor perks: special fares of C$49 each way for travel advisors, with a companion able to travel at the same rate.

The airline is also highlighting its group travel program for groups of nine or more, which includes guaranteed group fares, complimentary checked baggage and standard seat assignments.

Network expansion

BermudAir said the pledge comes as it continues expanding its Canadian network, which includes year-round service between Toronto and Bermuda, as well as seasonal winter flights to Turks and Caicos and Anguilla.

Advisors can also earn commissions on hotels, vacation packages and destination experiences booked through BermudAir Holidays.

"Our commitment to the Canadian travel trade is long term,” said Scott. "As BermudAir continues to grow, we'll continue investing in the partnerships that have helped us succeed from day one.”

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