Trade association beam has recommended the introduction of cancellation fees for agency members who withdraw late from familiarisation (fam) trips, as part of updated guidance aimed at improving accountability across the sector.
The association is encouraging supplier members to implement a charge for cancellations made within seven days of a scheduled trip, to help recover costs already committed to accommodation, catering and pre-arranged activities.
The update has been endorsed by ABPCO, the MIA, AIEA and the BTA, signalling broader alignment across the sector on raising standards.
The move reflects growing industry concern around late dropouts and the commercial impact on hosts, as well as wider debate about how fam trips are positioned and valued.
According to beam, the updated guidance is designed to protect the role of fam trips as a professional business tool, rather than what it described as a perceived “perk”.
Alongside the recommendation on cancellation fees, the guidance calls for greater shared responsibility between suppliers and agencies. Venues are encouraged to strengthen qualification processes when inviting attendees, while agents are urged to only accept places where there is genuine business intent.
David Tremmil, chair of beam, said: “Fam trips absolutely still matter - but they only work when there’s commitment on both sides. We’ve seen a real shift in the conversation, both across the industry and at our own beam events. There’s growing frustration around late cancellations and a clear call for more consistency and accountability.
“This update is about protecting the value of fam trips. They are a critical business tool, not a freebie, and setting clearer expectations ensures they continue to deliver for everyone involved.”
The guidance was shaped by beam member feedback and is intended to create a more consistent and commercially respectful approach to hosted trips.
Matt Stalker, executive director of ABPCO, added: “We fully support beam’s updated guidance, which reflects many of the conversations taking place across our own membership. Fam trips are an important part of how our industry connects, learns and does business, but their success relies on mutual respect and clear intent from the outset.
“Ensuring the right people are invited, and that those attending have a genuine interest, is key to maintaining their value. These guidelines help reinforce that fam trips are a professional tool, not an informal benefit, and that shared accountability is essential to making them effective for everyone involved.”
The revised framework aims to reinforce expectations across the planning and delivery of fam trips, amid a wider industry push to ensure stronger return on investment and more consistent professional standards.
