The American Society of Travel Agents has issued a statement backing its travel agent members in light of Carnival Corp.'s decision last week to end commissions on air sales. ASTA expressed disappointment, though came short of saying it spelled financial disaster for their members. "It does strike at their potential earnings, which can only be viewed as a negative factor in our relationships. It represents a disservice to our clients in booking Carnival's products and is likely top create an inconvenience to many cruise passengers," the statement read. It is widely accepted that travel agents are indispensable to the success of the cruise industry, yet ASTA remains troubled by the growth of non-commissionable charges. "Travel agents' value to both cruise consumers and cruise lines is widely recognized and must be respected by the cruise lines."
