OETG chief slams JTG protection plan
Jetset Travelworld has been accused of undermining the credibility of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents and the transition from the Travel Compensation Fund after flagging the launch of its own consumer protection scheme.
Orient Express Travel Group (OETG) said it was “completely inappropriate” for JTG to draw up a breakaway scheme, particularly as senior managers, including chief executive Rob Gurney, hold seats on the AFTA board.
AFTA is instrumental in drawing up the new industry structure.
The attack on JTG comes after it flagged the launch of a “Customer Charter and Customer Protection Policy” as a benefit for agents who join its new Helloworld retail network. Details of the scheme have yet to be released.
OETG and Independent Travel Group chief executive Tom Manwaring insisted there should be a universal scheme for all AFTA members. He called on agents to voice their concerns to the Federation.
“It is disappointing to see this being touted just prior to the road shows being held in August which are aimed at developing the TCF transition plan to come into effect when current TCF arrangements end in June 2014," he said.
"With AFTA representing all licensed travel agents in Australia, one organisation breaking away from the development of the TCF transition plan and developing their own [scheme] fully undermines the credibility of AFTA and potentially disadvantages independent agents,” he said.
"The industry must unite as one with an endorsed accreditation plan at a time when consumer confidence for the travel industry is very fragile and must not break into splinter groups.
“We will be actively involved in the transition planning process and encourage all agents to voice concerns to AFTA.”
Manwaring added it was “completely inappropriate for an organisation to seemingly undermine the credibility of the TCF replacement product”.
“In addition, the fact that JTG management occupy numerous positions on the AFTA board including the chair and deputy chair positions makes this even more untenable,” he said.
AFTA chief executive Jayson Westbury rejected that it was being undermined, describing it as a “preposterous notion”.
“JTG has been and continues to be an extremely important member of AFTA and Rob Gurney, as vice chairman, continues to be an outstanding contributor to our processes,” he told Travel Today. “JTG are fully engaged in the process and the transition arrangements that are currently being developed.”
JTG chief executive Rob Gurney also denied it was undermining AFTA or the transition process.
"An element of our new Customer Value Proposition will cover consumer protection," he said. "Our approach is highly aligned with AFTA and we have shared this information with them."
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
agents jetset travelworld jtg oetg rob gurney tcf tom manwaringLatest News
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