DTTAG election ban for non members

The Dubai Travel and Tourism Group (DTTAG) has been over-indulgent of non-members according to its general manager Leo Fewtrell.

“I think we’ve tried to be fair and inclusive in order for non-DTTAG members in Dubai’s travel industry to see what we are doing in the hope that they will take things on board, but we’ve just ended up spoiling them,” said Fewtrell.

“They won’t be allowed in when we have our committee elections in February and they certainly won’t be allowed to vote or venture their opinions — we’re going to keep it exclusively to DTTAG members.”

Fewtrell conceded he was frustrated at the fragmented nature of Dubai’s travel agency scene, which made it difficult for industry issues to be resolved collectively.

“Just take a look at what the travel industry has achieved in India by clubbing together (see page 12),” he said, referring to the recent commission U-turn made by India’s key airlines.

“They’ve managed to keep a commission with the airlines because they negotiated as a unified group.

“We’re trying to improve standards in the region and look out for the interests of our travel agencies, but we’re handicapped if we can’t speak with one voice.”

Certain aspects of DTTAG’s website still remain open to all travel agencies in the region, but meeting minutes and other updates are restricted to paid-up members only from now on.