The topic of disintermediation is always one that elicits an emotional response from industry and never more so than at this year’s Indaba when the debate was placed under the spotlight by both traditional DMCs and online travel agents and operators.

Tourvest Destination Management (TDM) initiated the discussion by issuing a press release stating that Online Travel Agents should not be treated as wholesalers as they act as intermediaries that sell directly to the public. TDM urged suppliers to implement rate strategies that take care of the channel. Rhino Africa, an online tour operator, then hit back with a statement accusing TDM of trying to pull the industry backwards with an “outdated” approach.

In a Tourism Update exclusive, we bring you both of the key players’ views on this hot topic – Click here to read more.

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