The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA) has received important backing from the Advantage Affiliates leading up to the start of the ACTA 2010 membership drive.

Leslie H. Cassettari, President & CEO of Advantage Travel & Cruise Centres stated to all of his members, “Advantage wishes to be on record as a supporter of ACTA.”

David McCaig, President and COO commented on the trust that Advantage Affiliates have brought forward “On behalf of ACTA’s Board of Directors, members and staff, I take this opportunity to personally ‘Welcome’ the Advantage Affiliates as members of ACTA. It is through the ongoing support of our entire membership that we are able to continue to strengthen our collective voice, and better serve our members and the travel agency community as a whole.”

Advantage Travel & Cruise Centres has noted with interest and concern the trend to include commissionable travel components under the guise of “taxes and surcharges” by certain suppliers.

Les Cassettari, the President & CEO of Advantage Travel & Cruise Centres, said, “This action lacks integrity but, more importantly, confuses consumers who see one price advertised but then end up paying a substantially higher price when all the supposed taxes and surcharges are added to the final cost.”

Cassettari further added, “Unfortunately, tour operators and, regrettably, even cruise lines seem to be following the established procedure of air carriers where a low lead-in airfare price is offered.  An example is a recently advertised fare of $199.00 one-way from Toronto to London but with a tax and surcharge package of $394.00!

“All inclusive pricing would enable consumers to shop with confidence, knowing the full and complete price they will be paying in advance.”

Advantage applauds the recent action of ACTA in endeavouring to have tour operators/wholesalers include fuel surcharges in the base fare allowing agents to receive fair compensation.

ACTA will continue to lead the way in providing specialized services and continues to be a strong lobby force as the Canadian voice of the travel industry.