Thanks, but no thanks
July 24, 2009 by Don Ross
Filed under News, Tour Operators
A Bangkok travel agent discovers delivery of a golden plaque costs Euro 3,700.
Bangkok’s CBS Travel Asia Co Ltd has been designated to receive the ISAQ, or International Star Award for Quality, in the Gold category. The award will be presented at a ceremony at the InterContinental in Geneva Switzerland, 26 October.
According to the event organiser, Business Initiative Directions of Madrid, Spain, the awards are sponsored by 26 media publications (see www.imarpress.com) that are “focused on innovation, growing brands, technology, business news and finance.”
BID’s invitation for CBS Travel Asia to be honoured at this prestigious event was signed by CEO and president, Jose E. Prieto.
But CBS Travel Asia’s CEO, Chaladol Ussamarn, is not over the moon about the prospects of being honoured, even if it promises a prominent Gold star over his office door for two years.
It was the small print on the back of the PDF invitational letter that wiped the smile off Mr Chaladol’s face. Gold star quality recognition comes with a hefty price tag of Euro3,700, the payment demanded by BID to process participation in the ceremony.
So just what does a company like CBS Travel Asia get for a down payment of approximately Bt185,000?
Firstly, the CEO enjoys bed and breakfast for two nights at a Geneva hotel, not necessarily at the InterContinental, where the event will be held.
Then there is the awards fanfare that prompts a barrage of camera flashes as media from the sponsoring group perform on behalf of BID. Whether your photo session gets an airing in the press is anyone’s guess, but it will probably feature on the website www bid-star.com.
Finally, there is the honour that comes with touting the plaque around your office for two years, until BID reminds you that your golden moment has expired.
Apart from the award payment, the lucky winner has to foot the cost of flying to Europe, taxi fares and meals, so the bottom line cost is more likely to be in the region of Bt500,000.
“Thanks but no thanks” was the response from Mr Chaladol, who wrote in an email reply to Mr Prieto, “I am very happy that CBS Travel Asia has been advised to receive the Gold Category of International Star Award for Quality as per attached file. But unfortunately, you cannot make money from me.”
Mr Chaladol forwarded a copy of BID’s PDF documentation to TTR Weekly and stated: “I want my colleagues in travel agencies and hotels to be aware that BID, obviously a prestigious European media organisation, could be guilty of adopting tactics that might be interpreted as unethical in their enthusiasm to bestow awards and reap considerable revenue in the process.”
He questioned whether the tactics could contravene Europe’s tough consumer protection laws and warns colleagues to be wary of award schemes.
BID has been touting its awards for a number of years now. What is not so apparent is how many takers are there from this neck of the woods? Perhaps the recipients are too shy to say their gold plaque came with a hefty price tag.
They(European)think we are still fools. Do you need more feather on your hat? You have so many already. Who in the industry do not know CBS. So ‘thanks, but no thanks’ is the right approach. Rather it is time we should think on a regional basis to float our own awards and show the world that we can evaluate and reward success.
Syed G. Qadir
Galaxy Holidays Ltd.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
A great contribution, as less experienced colleagues might easily fall for this kind of scam, and many unfortunately do. It has been operating for decades in various forms, and the more people who realise that it is a money-making racket, and has nothing to do with a genuine award, the sooner it will stop. Genuine awards are given by recognised bodies based on professionalism and achievement, not these kind of people. Kudos therefore to Khun Chaladol for highlighting this crooked business, and to TTR for publishing it. I encourage more trade publications to do the same, and would suggest that this kind of valuable warning be forwarded in e-mail circulars to each other – it’s not a joke, but if we can stop this activity by spreading the word, we will certainly have the last laugh.
Great decision, but my dear Din, it is expected by someone who’s name,professional reputation and services to the world travel market are already for years gold star rated, without any Payment to be required!!
Brother Chaladol is an Old Stalwart, far too savvy to fall into this trap. It does not FOOL any one unless someone is totally egostical and craving for such honors. Most Middle East organisations pay a price tag to accept such honors in the past (still a few are gullible falling prey to this tactic). All organisations should sabotage such unethical practices by the media. I know of a leading English daily that publishes a Top 100 Companies Supplement and the selection criteria for this entry is a ONE PAGE FORM WHICH YOU FILL OUT WHATEVER YOU WANT(No Verification done), but catch 22 is that you have to advertise in the supplement.So much for the honour.
Zawfir Ziard
CEO
UNIQUE CHOICE
My dear friend, one of the oldest Thai hotel establishments, got the same kind of invitation to this similar Pay-to-be-recognised award from one of the no-name organisations some 20 years ago. This is a real cheap trick to lure a fame-hungry company to pay for an award.Your loss is nothing sir !!.
SK
Its good decision by Mr. Chaladol. Real awards do not ask for payments. We trade partners know CBS for its quality.
Awards should not ask for any cash. Instead they should pay winners’ expenses for flights and accomodation. Award-giving organisations have a revenue stream from sponsors. Looking for the sponsors is the better option, instead of charging winners.
Anyway, CBS does not need an award to prove themselves, they are already have a proven record in the market.
Mustafa Zahid
Happy Journey Travels
Doha, Qatar
Looks like the crooks have pressed the wrong button this time. It is pity that they do not know who is K. Chaladol. They probably did not do their homework.
This scam has been going around in this industry for many years and some hotels and DMCs are ignorant enough to accept such nonsense awards.
It is good that K.Chaladol has blown their ass away. We need such courage to clean up such crooks in this industry.
Good job K. Chaladol and I always admire your outspoken personality.
In any case, there is a saying ‘Suckers are born every minute’. They may still be alright.
Sincerely,
Aung Naing
EPG Travel Co., Ltd.
Yangon, Myanmar
I would say the decision taken by Khun Chaladol is right, for a award does not have a price tag attached to it , if your company has done a good job over the years it should be given with out charging such large amount of Euro 3700. It’s surprising that they charge such huge amount. Even in India when we have a TAAI convention the organisor do not charge such huge amount. I really like appreciate’s Khun Chaladol’s action.
Hats off to Mr Chaladol for showing BID for what they are truely are!!! I agree you get nothing for nothing but an HONOR is more appreciated when bestowed for what one is ……….. not cause you paying for it!
CBS is a stalwart organisation and its services are rated GOLD STAR anytime in out part of the world .. no plaque needed to pove it!
As they say you get nothing for nothing , there is always a catch.