After Italy's hotels began charging mandatory extra taxes of up to 5 euros per night, several tour operators announced that they would absorb the additional cost rather than force their clients to pony up. Last month, we reported that Travel Corporation companies Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Contiki Holidays will absorb the cost of a new tax being charged in Venice and Florence hotels, and this week, Globus also announced that they would be making the same pledge.
"It’s one of the benefits of going with a tour operator, so someone’s in middle to help with surprises," Steve Born, Globus' vice president of marketing, told Travel Agent. "It’s a way that cities have identified as a revenue stream, and while the cost per night isn’t significant, it can add up."
Absorbing the cost can add up for the tour operator as well, but Born sees that as the cost of business. "It’s another validation of the value that you get with a tour op," he said. "Everyone is looking for value in vacation. People will spend money if they feel they’re getting the most for their money."
