ATAS changes gear as GM O’Riordan departs

Human hand with manual transmission

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents will no longer have a general manager for its accreditation scheme, with Gary O’Riordan departing the organisation after almost three years and no replacement sought.

O’Riordan was brought on board in April 2013 to head up the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme as deregulation loomed, charged with overseeing the scheme’s development and implementation.GaryORiordan

It recently underwent its first year review, prompting some tweaks to the scheme which AFTA announced last week.

“AFTA has reviewed our structure and with the heavy lifting of the development and implementation of ATAS now complete and the first year review concluded, we feel that our structure can more than adequately accommodate the needs to ensure the scheme continues to achieve the success it has received to date,” AFTA chief executive Jayson Westbury said.

He thanked O’Riordan for his “incredible” contribution which he said has seen the scheme win “extensive” industry support.

“AFTA membership has grown significantly over this period as the industry have embraced the scheme and see the benefit of the national advertising campaign promoting accredited agents,” he said.

“It has been a pleasure to have Gary on the AFTA team and he will be missed.”

Westbury reassured the industry that the absence of the general manager going forward was not a matter for concern.

“The team at AFTA will continue to perform the necessary tasks to continue in Gary’s foot steps to ensure that ATAS and AFTA remains successful,” he said.

The year ahead will see “considerable” advertising campaigns developed to ensure consumers are aware of ATAS travel agents.

“ATAS will continue to evolve for both the consumers and travel agents going forward,” Westbury promised.

 

Latest News

  • Cruise

Princess Cruises unveils Sanctuary Collection, Star Princess to sail Alaska in 2026

From the sunny port of Barcelona, the Sun Princess welcomed worldwide media aboard for an update on what’s new and what’s next for Princess Cruises today, 23 April. The setting also doubled as the official naming ceremony for Princess’ first sphere class ship which was live streamed around the ship for all guests to enjoy. […]

  • News

Collette special offers across peak northern summer season

Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries

Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]

  • News

A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave

A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]