By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cunard president and managing director, Peter Shanks has said that Carnival UK, the line’s parent company, will not reverse its controversial cut in commissions to five per cent.
“We were very bold and we are sticking to that strategy. Those agents who are coming with us are doing better as a result,” he said.
Dismissing claims that the commission cut had led to desertion from some agents, he said that Cunard was still working “very closely” with all the major agency players, adding: “There’s quite a substantial number of small agents who didn’t work with us before who are doing so now because they can compete on a level playing field.
“The big advantage has been clarity of price,” he said. “If we need to come out with a strong offer we will do that but agents are no longer discounting that.
“There hasn’t been a year since 2001 that hasn’t had challenging times. Cunard has been completely transformed in that period and is a brand that speaks to people who still want the traditional experience that we offer.”