Rewe has now extended its Bonus loyalty program to travel bookings, granting customers an 8% cashback when they reserve trips through Clevertours. Travel agents have condemned the move, claiming it directly threatens their income and business stability.
The TSS travel agency cooperative, which unites more than 2,000 independent outlets, has already ruled out participation. Its leader, Manuel Molina, described the program as „entsetzt“ (horrified) and issued instructions to members prohibiting them from engaging. His primary concern lies in the financial damage: agents would forfeit 4% of their standard commissions whenever customers apply Bonus discount codes.
Molina characterizes the scheme as a disguised subsidy for customers, funded by the commissions of travel agents. „Rewe Bonus turns every sale into a financial loss for agencies,“ he stated.
Beyond the direct financial blow, Molina warns the program sets a dangerous precedent for consumer expectations. „Agencies that accept this are training customers to expect discounts—and that carries long-term risks,“ he wrote in a memo to members. The travel industry already operates on tight margins, and Molina dismissed the contradiction as „scheinheilig“ (hypocritical), accusing Dertour of criticizing cashback while implementing it.
Dertour has restricted the Bonus travel offer to its own brands, Clevertours and Rewe Reisen International, covering less than 5% of the group’s total travel portfolio. Despite the limited scope, Molina’s coalition has launched a membership survey to assess sentiment, with results determining whether the cooperative will escalate its opposition.
Molina’s definitive rejection shows the cooperative’s refusal to accept any terms that weaken agents’ already strained financial positions. The move marks another challenge for an industry already struggling with declining profitability.
Agents argue the program not only cuts their earnings but also undermines trust with clients. If customers grow accustomed to receiving cashback, Molina’s coalition fears it will erode the value of traditional agency services. The survey results, expected within weeks, will reveal the extent of opposition among members. touristik aktuell will report on the findings.