Lufthansa is about to undergo a crucial test, which all players in the airline industry and the business travel sector in general are preparing to scrutinise with great interest. Visit 1st September will come into force on 16 euro tax imposed by the German group on each indirect booking. Objectives: to promote direct selling on the company's various sites, while denouncing the fees imposed by the GDS. It's a daring gamble, and many voices have been raised to denounce this measure, which could give other airlines ideas.
The GBTA is one of the opponents of the project, and is concerned about the negative impact of this tax on travel programmes. An impact that Lufthansa is also likely to feel, according to the association, which recently surveyed the American market. Half (50%) of US travel buyers whose flight schedule includes Lufthansa as a preferred carrier plan to reduce their expenditure once the tax has been applied. In addition, 51% of buyers are preparing to withdraw the German group of its preferred suppliers.
