A local travel agency has expressed the following concern to me:
 
 
As per our phone conversation, Clemson University is studying the prospect
of consolidating the purchasing of all airline tickets with one travel
agency. As I stated, we are opposed to this because
we strongly believe that competition at the point of sale (purchase of each
ticket) makes for a much more efficient method of obtaining the best fares.
Kickbacks (rebates) get comptroller's attention, but the 3-4 % savings pale
in comparison to the competitive advantage of shopping for the
best fare among competing agencies.
We are looking for feedback from individuals who use mandated agencies, and
their experience in
obtaining fares and service.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mark Malmgren
Small World Travel
 
 
I would be interested in knowing if any of you have had or are having this
same
experience of going with one travel agency.....and if so, what has been your
reaction. Of course, Mark is opposed to the idea since he is used by most
Clemson
faculty/staff....but is he contention  that a single source is not the way
to go???
What impact will this have on the quality of service?  If there is  a rebate
from the
selected agency to the Univ, who gets the money....the depart generated the
travel or
does it go into the general fund??? Your thoughts will be appreciated. Thanks.
Ralph D. Elliot, Director
Office of Professional Development
343 Sirrine Hall
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina 29634
Phone: 864.656.3983
  Fax: 864.656.3997
Email: [log in to unmask]
World Wide Web URL: http://hubcap.clemson.edu:80/~elliot/