The Official Voice Of Etaa

Opening New Avenues For The Sub-Agent Segment

Sub Agents Want To Be Part of Trade Conventions

S. Nithya Kamakshi -Chennai

Sub agents are more often regarded as being disorganised by the travel agent segment. The debates at various forums to regularise the sub agent segment have never resulted into anything concrete. Considering the fact that the number of the sub-agents in the country is five times higher than the approved IATA agents, it calls for a serious thought.

The sub agents form an integral part in the smooth functioning of the industry. While the Indian travel industry is witnessing a boom, the dependence on the sub agents is on the rise. They play a pivotal role in the secondary cities than the metros.

The IATO, IATA and TAFI conventions are a boon to the travel agents to discuss and scrutinize issues under the fire. The need of the hour is to bring travel trade associations together and ensure that they work in tandem. While the approved travel agents and the consolidators are of some support to the sub agents in terms of gaining recognition, airlines do not extend a similar kind of assistance. Due to lack of qualification the government also denies to pay heed to the woes of this segment.

According to Ganesh, manager, Fortune Tours & Travels, "There are only a handful of agents approved by the ministry of tourism and the number of unrecognised agents is five times higher. There have been several initiatives undertaken by industry bodies and individuals to reach out and help the sub-agents. Most of these conventions are a good platform for the industry people to discuss the emerging trends and to face the challenges. It is moreover a good learning ground where face to face interaction with the industry people will provide good exposure to the sub agents."

The sub agents are a deprived lot with nothing much to expect from the convention but empty promises. "Since nothing much is being done for us, any little step is welcome. Several industry associations had offered us memberships, which are indeed appreciated, but not enough. There has to be a proper channel that can help the smaller agents like us to develop and grow", revealed a noted non-IATA agent of Chennai.

CEO of Radiance Travels opines, "75 per cent of the business of IATA accredited agencies are provided by the sub agents. In such a scenario, the sub agents are often left in ambiguity with hardly one per cent of information that the IATA agents get." Conventions are meant to serve as a platform to air the grievances of the agents and to come to an amicable solution. Inspite of the burgeoning number of issues, the sub agents are devoid of an association to take up their issues.

The general opinion of the sub agents is not to have a convention of their own but to be accepted to participate and benefit form the existing ones. The need of the hour is to have a self-regulatory system favouring the sub-agents to gain the trust as well as the business.