ATAS workshops fail to alleviate Mayo's concerns
TravelManagers has disputed claims by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) that the latest and final round of ATAS workshops was a success, expressing disappointment with the proceedings.
The workshops, which coincided with the opening of the scheme to applications, toured the country at the end of May to answer final questions on the accreditation process.
However, TravelManagers chairman Barry Mayo said that, with less than one month until ATAS takes effect, confusion still remains over the cost of Travel Agent & Intermediary Failure Insurance (TAIFI), and how AFTA will deal with consumer media fall-out from the collapse of agents not holding the voluntary policy.
“AFTA has always said ATAS would be better for travel agents than the Travel Compensation Fund, not as costly and with less red tape,” he said.
“However, following the workshops the cost of TAIFI, the new insurance product is still unknown and all indications are that the industry has ‘less for more’ at the expense of common-sense and affordability.”
According to Mayo, questions posed at the workshops about perceived shortcomings of the scheme were met with “widespread applause”, particularly on the issues on consumer protection and the cost of TAIFI, while answers were “inadequate”.
“It concerns TravelManagers that many travel agents emerged from the workshops no better informed and underwhelmed with ATAS. The feeling that AFTA provided inadequate responses to questions raised is disappointing,” he said.
“TravelManagers can only hope AFTA will step up and provide tangible answers to outstanding questions. It really is unbelievable that travel agents are expected to make decisions to join a scheme that will have far reaching consequences for their business, without all the basic facts.”
AFTA will hold an ATAS webinar on June 4 at 11am.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
accreditation afta agents atas barry mayo consumer protection travelmanagersLatest News
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