News

AMERICAN Express is cutting the number of tour operators it racks following a review of its business.

Following a similar move by British Airways Travel Shops, Amex is believed to be slashing around 70 tour operators, leaving a nucleus of 20 big sellers.

A spokeswoman said: “We have decided to review the number of preferred travel partners in an effort to maximise revenues from dealing with any preferred supplier.

“This benefits both parties as we concentrate volumes to a smaller number of partners.”

BA Travel Shops cut its preferred suppliers from 71 to 11.

Amex is currently in discussions with operators asking them to submit proposals to gain or retain preferred supplier status for 2003.

One supplier in the talks said: “It makes sense because the current situation doesn’t help anybody.”