AFTA launches accreditation brand as criteria nears completion
The criteria for joining AFTA’s accreditation scheme is likely to be finalised in the next two weeks before the public get a chance to comment on its code of conduct and charter.
Accreditation general manager Gary O’Riordan said a document will be made available to consumer groups, including Choice, with the public invited to comment.
“Via Choice, we are looking to allow public comment on the code of conduct in particular because that talks about consumers’ rights and obligations. Having a public consultation period is essential in our eyes,” he said last night at the launch of the accreditation brand (pictured).
O’Riordan said he and AFTA chief executive Jayson Westbury were yesterday “locked away with lawyers” going through finer details of the criteria.
The final set of criteria will be presented to agents at the transitional workshops next month, although O’Riordan said changes may still be made after that.
With applications for the accreditation scheme not opening until next April “there is still time for tweaking”, he said.
Some minor changes have already been made since the draft criteria was released, including a streamlining of the number of acceptance documents that need signing.
“We are looking to simplify the process,” O'Riordan said.
Meanwhile, AFTA is still waiting on details of the insurance policies being drawn up by UK-based IPP.
O’Riordan said it should be in a position to launch the Supplier Insolvency Insurance in mid to late November although the Travel Intermediary Insolvency Insurance is not expected to be finalised until March or April.
“Given that the TCF is still in operation for the next six or seven months there is still time to work on that,” he said.
He said each agent who applies for cover will need to be individually assessed by the insurer based on their size, turnover and the suppliers they work with.
Agents may have to seek clarification with the insurer if a supplier does not appear on a list of covered product.
“If it wasn’t covered then the agent may have to decide whether they take the risk or bring it to the attention of the customer and they book it direct,” O’Riordan explained.
He added that IPP has been operating for 23 years in 30 countries so the list of risk-assessed suppliers and airlines is extensive.
“They have already done a lot of checks and balances,” he said.
O’Riordan confirmed that agency groups will be able to take out cover on behalf of their members but said it was a matter for them to decide.
“I think a number would be considering that but we wouldn’t get involved,” he said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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