The operator said it saw the implementation of the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) on January 13, prohibiting travel firms from charging customers for paying by debit and credit cards, as a chance to “re-evaluate" its trade strategy and "work with more agents”.

The Asia specialist whose brands include InsideJapan, InsideVietnam and InsideBurma, said 2017 had been an “incredible year” for its trade relationships.

Matt Spiller, InsideAsia’s agent sales manager said the company had seen agent turnover grow by “almost 80%” in the last two years.

“The decision to increase commission has huge financial implications for us and the decision has not been taken lightly, however, we believe it’s an important step to show our commitment to trade partnerships,” he said.

Spiller added that the operator’s commitment to working with agents had been shown through its expanded trade sales team last year with the appointment of business development manager Lawrence Pryer in July.

“It has been a very successful year for trade partnerships and we are very excited with what we have planned for trade partnerships in 2018 and beyond,” Spiller said.