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The voluntary AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) will replace the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF).
Managing director Graham Turner says the new system is fairer and creates a level playing field in the industry.“The reality is that the TCF placed an unfair financial burden on Australian travel agents, who were required to pay substantial fees annually, but at the same time it exempted airlines and overseas operators.
“TFC members were also forced to deal with significant administrative red tape and restrictions that, in FLT’s case, prevented the company from controlling its own balance sheet,” he says.Turner says AFTA assesses applicants for quality control, based on business disciplines, solvency, training and compliance.
“This new system, which has been developed by the industry for the industry, addresses these issues and provides comfort to member agencies’ customers, as ATAS will use quality assessment criteria to assess participants.”Supplier insolvency insurance is not compulsory under ATAS with Turner supporting the view, saying it would make it inconsistent for travel agents.
ATAS will start operating from July.Get our daily business news
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