The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) says that travel agents will avoid tens of millions in extra costs after the Federal Government excluded agencies from a planned aviation ombudsman scheme.
ATIA estimates its advocacy saved members between $40 and $100 million in potential compliance fees, costs it says would have been tied to airline complaints beyond agents’ control.
According to ATIA, the decision follows nearly two years of lobbying. Since September 2023, the association has made submissions, appeared at a Senate inquiry and held direct talks with ministers, regulators and senior officials.
ATIA also pointed to its accreditation framework, which already provides consumers free and fair dispute resolution.
With the exclusion now secured, ATIA says it will continue to work to cement the ruling to protect travel agents and their clients.
ATIA CEO Dean Long said the win shows the strength of a united industry voice and ensures money “stays in our members’ businesses instead of being lost to red tape”.
“Our advocacy has saved agents up to $100 million in unnecessary costs,” he remarked.
“This is exactly why ATIA exists – to be the strong, collective voice that secures outcomes individual businesses simply couldn’t achieve alone.
“For those not yet members, this is the moment to recognise what ATIA delivers. Without us, the outcome would have been very different.
“Being accredited is more than a quality mark; it is about being part of a collective that protects, defends and elevates our profession.”
On Monday, the government revealed its blueprint for a first national aviation consumer protection scheme for Aussie flyers.
The draft plan introduces minimum standards for airlines and airports, including clearer obligations around re-bookings, refunds and assistance such as food or accommodation during major disruptions.
Until now, no national rules have determined what passengers are entitled to in the event of cancellations or delays, leaving many travellers at the mercy of individual airline policies.
