Virgin Australia is encouraging more agents to become ATAS accredited, by restricting its credit facilities to certified consultants.
Speaking at an AFTA board of directors meeting this week, Shirley Field said that moving forward the airline will only offer credit facilities to agents who are under the new scheme.
“Virgin Australia acknowledges the extensive preparatory work led by AFTA in the creation of the new ATAS accreditation scheme.We also value our partnership with AFTA and will continue to support them and the important work they do.”
Shirley Field, Virgin Australia general manager global sales
Meanwhile, the peak body for agents here in Australia dubbed 2014 ‘a tremendous year’ particularly due to the successful implementation of the new accreditation scheme.
On 1 July 2014, ATAS officially replaced the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) as a scheme that would support the industry in a new digital environment.
AFTA chief executive Jayson Westbury says the industry led scheme was created for the industry by the industry.
So far, around 2,400 travel agent locations around Australia have become ATAS accredited.
The latest agencies to join the scheme were Consolidated Travel Group and Carlson Wagonlit Travel earlier this month.
“It has levelled the playing field with international competitors and provides a legitimate positive value proposition to make them more relevant, competitive and known.”
Jayson Westbury, AFTA chief executive
At the meeting, Mr Westbury also thanked the industry for embracing the change as well as suppliers who have also backed it.
“I commend Virgin Australia for their leadership in mandating that any travel agent requesting to set up a new credit facility will be required to hold ATAS accreditation.”
Jayson Westbury, AFTA chief executive
