D-day nears as AFTA insists: "This is the future"
![D-day nears as AFTA insists: "This is the future"](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian Federation of Travel Agents chief executive Jayson Westbury has dismissed the 11th hour debate over its controversial accreditation scheme as he declared: “This is the future”.
He said the industry was “moments away” from a historic new era that would remove costs and red tape, raise standards and, ultimately, drive consumers through the doors of accredited agents.
In addition, AFTA will spend “every available cent” raising consumer awareness of the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) as Westbury again played down any potential consumer backlash in the event of a company collapse in a world without the Travel Compensation Fund.
Speaking to media at the conclusion of AFTA’s final ATAS roadshow in Sydney, Westbury and accreditation general manager Gary O’Riordan, said the scheme was ready to roll.
They predicted 80% of AFTA members would apply to become accredited. Only 15 companies have so far been approved with 65 applications in the pipeline.
“We are moments away from the realisation of a very courageous policy decision,” Westbury said. “Some of the naysayers and backward thinking people have come forward at the last minute and said ‘how the hell did this happen’. I say to them this has been going on for five and half years.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time and I hope the last remaining naysayers and critics enjoy not being accredited because this is the future. And that future is in our hands.”
Fighting the scheme now was as worthwhile as "throwing darts at concrete", he added.
O’Riordan claimed that many critics “who have been causing confusion” have left the recent workshops in a more positive frame of mind and are now eager to sign up to ATAS.
“While they have caused this storm of activity, at the end of the day most of those are going to join. They have said that to our staff and we are really encouraged by that,” he said.
But he did say that an independent review of the charter and code of conduct will be carried out in 12 months.
"If we need to fine tune it, we will," he said.
As the July 1 launch of ATAS has neared, debate over the scheme has intensified, with the voluntary nature of insurance products among the key areas of concern.
Critics have argued that while some ATAS agents will offer financial protection for consumers through the purchase of Travel Agents and Intermediary Failure Insurance (TAIFI), other accredited agents may not, leading to confusion for consumers.
Westbury rejected the fears.
“If one agent takes out TAIFI or 4000, we don’t really have an opinion,” he said. “It’s a burden that agents themselves must decide they need as part of their brand promise. That is not part of the ATAS brand promise.
“We are not a compensation scheme.
“Most of the agency groups are in the throes of sorting themselves out. What we are trying to do is move the wrangling post an insolvency into the hands of the brands, so the brand comes a champion and looks after the customer.”
Westbury claimed he was relaxed about the first collapse in a post-Travel Compensation Fund world “because we are ready”.
He said a “brand risk strategy” would kick in once the circumstance of a collapse was known.
“There are a number of strategies that we have thought through, and are preparing for, when maybe the inevitable does happen [and a company collapses],” he said.
There are far fewer collapses in travel than other industries which is something AFTA will highlight, Westbury added.
“Travel agents themselves seem more worried and het up about insolvency that the consumer. We need to have a more outward view,” he continued. “Don’t forget that 97% of consumers who book with travel agents have no knowledge of the TCF.”
AFTA will look to build awareness of ATAS though a marketing campaign, largely via social media, but also in collaboration with travel agents. A government-led campaign to alert consumers of the change to travel agent licensing and an awareness campaign led by consumer watchdog Choice, will also help spread the word, Westbury said.
From an initial budget of $2.8 million to fund roadshows, wages and the scheme’s first year of operation, Westbury said there would be a “significant” amount left for marketing.
“We are going to spend every available cent on that first tranche of activity in the first three or four months.
“But if we only get five people joining ATAS we won’t have a lot of money to market the scheme so we need that 80% to have critical mass. We need to have an income stream that is secure to allow us to allocate every available cent on that consumer facing marketing.”
Not that AFTA is aiming to build a high profile consumer brand, he stressed, just something that, over time, will become recognised by consumers as a mark of accreditation and expertise.
O’Riordan said: “One of the major differentiations between the old scheme and the new scheme is that the TCF did not spend one cent on marketing agents to Australian consumers.
“ATAS is very much about a national consumer awareness campaign which will drive business through the door of the travel agent."
He added: “ATAS is about elevating travel standards. They will be vetted against strict criteria."
O’Riordan called on agents to help build recognition of ATAS by “embracing the logo”.
“The more they use it, the more awareness will increase and the more the consumer will understand what the ATAS logo means,” he said. “Ultimately it will drive business through the agents’ door.”
Meanwhile, Westbury played down the lack of public endorsement from Helloworld, insisting it is fully behind the scheme.
It also emerged that the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) will table a motion at its AGM on June 11 that becoming accredited will be a compulsory requirement of CATO membership.
“That shows tremendous support from the wholesale community for the accreditation scheme,” O’Riordan said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
afta atas gary oriordan jayson westburyLatest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?