Thus spake "John Sisker" :

To Whom It May Concern:

We came across this information in the trades, in the form of a press
release, and thought it would be of interest to this newsgroup as well.


A recently released Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) report has
revealed travel agents, long gatekeepers of travel and price information,
are being replaced by online booking engines that provide hotel and travel
services, connecting anyone anywhere.

The report, Total Tourism Survey: The Industry Speaks, claims that smaller
players have benefited enormously from the new technology. "The technology
enables them to transmit information directly to consumers and finding more
creative ways to target repeat travelers.

"The mushrooming of low-cost carrier airlines can certainly be attributed
partly to the technology revolution. Travel agents and global distribution
system operators now have to radically alter their business models"

A Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) report in India says travel agents
in India now have to accept a reduced commission of 5 percent, down from 9
percent previously. "It's only a matter of time before it is completely
wiped out."

How much did American pay you for your last booking. The States is
well ahead of the curve.


Kapil Kaur, from CAPA's Indian office say airlines are now offering frequent
flier miles if tickets are booked online."

Yup.

--
dillon

I didn't climb to the top of the
food chain to become a vegetarian.