The travel trade fraternity in the country, which has been fighting a battle against the implementation of zero commission regime by airlines, has found support from political parties. The ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) has offered its support to travel trade associations and 61 CPIM Member of Parliament (MPs) across the country will speak jointly in support of the travel associations plea to revert back to agency commissions from Transaction Fee model. CPIM MPs will raise the issue in the Parliament meet on December 15, 2008. The ruling Congress Party has also extended its support to the travel associations. This was communicated by Vyalar Ravi, Minister for Parliamentary and Overseas Affairs and member of Congress Party in a discussion with Bijji Eapen, President, IAAI.
The political support to their movement was disclosed at a press conference held yesterday in New Delhi post a meeting of the office bearers of all major travel trade associations namely: TAAI, TAFI, IATO, ADTOI, IAAI and ETAA and also representatives from Online Travel Agents (OTAs) like Makemytrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, Ezeego1 and Riya. |