By Ayiga Ondoga

EFFECTIVE March 1, travel agents and airlines will begin charging dues for every air ticket processed or purchased from them, the Uganda Association of Travel Agents’ (TUGATA) chairman has said.

Steven Mworoz said in order to keep pace with current global travel trends, the travel industry in Uganda had joined the rest of the world in adopting a new business model for effective operations.

Mworoz noted that the new travel and business model would apply to most carriers operating into and out of Uganda.

“The cost shall cater for the professional and value- added services offered to travellers since airline fares will be provided to the agents on a net basis,” he said, adding that the costs would be monitored in line with measures to fight the global financial crisis.

Mworoz said the new business model had already been implemented in Kenya and Tanzania and had resulted into an impressive travel system.

“As a business, corporate or leisure traveller, you need to be aware of these changes since they affect your travel management company, your organisation, or you as an individual,” he advised.

Mworoz said: “All TUGATA accredited travel agencies have professional staff who are well-trained, experienced and knowledgeable to ensure provision of best travel packages, offering the traveller value for money.”

He said the public should take note of the changes and make good use of their TUGATA accredited travel agencies.

Source : https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1225960/travel-agents-levy-fee-tickets