PATH Says ARC’s Helix Could Compete With the Travel Agency Host Model

The Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH) voiced concerns that ARC is positioning its new Helix program for agents as a direct competitor to the host agency model. The strongly worded statement also called out industry veteran Joanie Ogg for promoting Helix at industry functions.

PATH contends that ARC has no place launching a program that competes with the travel agencies it serves through the Area Settlement Plan.

“The biggest issue is that ARC is an airline-owned company and should maintain a level of neutrality on agents, agencies and agency organizations,” according to the statement. “They should not favor one group of agencies over another. This clearly crosses the line.”  

The statement also said, “ARC should leave the hosting business to the agencies that specialize in hosting.”

PATH named well-known travel industry veteran Joanie Ogg in its statement, which was distributed to the press, admonishing her to remain neutral and not use her role and reputation in the travel industry to promote Helix when speaking on “host agency panels.” This is especially important, PATH said, as Ogg collects advertising dollars from other host agencies.

“I have had a wonderful relationship with the majority of PATH members that spans decades,” Ogg told Travel Market Report in response. “I consider many of them personal friends. None of these individuals have shared any concern with me whatsoever and [they] understand that I am a professional speaker and trainer. I have conducted training for several of PATH’s 19 members over the last 10 years. Only six of those 19 PATH members advertise with us, and we are very proud to promote their programs to the agent community.”

PATH did not respond by presstime to several requests from Travel Market Report for an interview.