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TravelManagers opt for ATAS accreditation

Once in strong opposition, TravelManagers obtains ATAS accreditation as a means to further the recognition of Travel Agency qualifications.

Once in strong opposition, TravelManagers obtains ATAS accreditation as a means to further the recognition of Travel Agency qualifications.

Following years of being vocal of the shortcomings of the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), TravelManagers has finally applied for and received ATAS accreditation.

“Our view on the shortcomings of ATAS has not changed. Whilst ATAS accreditation does not provide any financial surety to consumers, we do accept ATAS is the future and by providing our own financial surety for customers we are now comfortable to apply for ATAS accreditation.” Barry Mayo, Chairman of Travel Managers said.

Mayo states TravelManagers’ objective in applying for ATAS accreditation is to continue working towards a more robust and meaningful recognition of Travel Agency qualifications and financial standing than is currently the case.

“TravelManagers believe we are better positioned to achieve this objective as a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) than working towards this end external to the travel agency industry association,”

Barry Mayo, Chairman Travel Managers

The decision comes in the wake of the launch of TACTAFI in August this year.

TACTAFI, pioneered by TravelManagers and Gow Gates, has a desire to provide protection for all client monies that are received by TravelManagers in payment for travel services up until the time that those funds are then paid to travel providers/suppliers.

In addition to this, through its travel insurance provider, TravelManagers personal travel managers are also able to offer their clients protection against the insolvency of suppliers such as airlines, hotels and cruise companies, as part of its traditional travel insurance.

“This new client guarantee has been created to protect client funds in the unlikely event that they go missing from, or are not paid into the Insured Trust Account as a result of fraudulent or dishonest activity. If funds are ever found to be missing, the insurance policy will simply reimburse the missing funds directly into the Insured Trust Account,” Mayo said

What do you think of TravelManagers now obtaining ATAS accreditation?