ACTA "disappointed" with Marriott commission cuts

Following Marriott’s announcement last week to reduce agent commissions on the hotel chain’s North American properties, the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies has issued a statement in response expressing disappointment with the decision.

The cut, announced by Marriott on Jan. 24 in a letter to travel agencies, will see commissions on group bookings at Marriott’s U.S. and Canadian properties reduced from 10 to seven per cent, effective March 31.

In the statement, ACTA President Wendy Paradis said "ACTA shares the frustration of our members with Marriott’s decision to reduce travel agency commissions by three per cent on group bookings within their Canadian and USA hotels and resorts. ACTA has been in contact with Marriott directly to express our concerns, and let them know we oppose this decision. We understand from Marriott’s communication that due to increasing financial demands in the group business model they needed to take a close look at finding cost savings to ensure this market remains sustainable.

“Travel agencies play a vital role in the group travel business and we are disappointed that Marriott has chosen to find cost savings through travel agency commission reductions,” she continued. “ACTA will continue to actively lobby for our travel agency members over the coming weeks towards a win/win solution with Marriott."