OETG launches new consumer protection product

A new Express Insurance product from the Orient Express Travel Group will cover its customers in the event of supplier insolvency, including that of agents, with the group to also subsidise its agents' ATAS joining fees.

The launch of the new insurance product, issued by QBE Australia, will be exclusively available through the 570 agency members of OETG’s Independent Travel Group, Select Travel Group and italktravel franchise stores.

It will cover the financial default of travel agents, scheduled service airlines, hotels, cruise, railway and attraction operators to the sum of $10,000 per adult on its International Comprehensive and Annual Multi Trip travel plans.

OETG chief executive Tom Manwaring described the insurance add-on as a “no brainer” for customers ringing in at the price of a decent cup of coffee per day.

“We believe we are first to market to protect consumers across the majority of industry exposures, and have Product Disclosure Statements available throughout our network for consumer review,” he said.

”We are very excited to be offering this new QBE travel insurance product to all our member agents and franchisees. The very competitive pricing offered through Express Insurance to our members’ customers is a win for all.”

An added benefit for its agents is the “very good preferred commission rate” on every sale of the new products, he added. 

Meanwhile, Manwaring confirmed that all member agents would be eligible for the head office-subsidised ATAS rate of $610, subject to them meeting the scheme’s criteria but regardless of agency turnover.

“The exclusive Express Insurance customer product, plus the AFTA/ATAS offer, is a simple customer protection experience and member revenue earner that satisfies a lot of the uncertainty felt by parts of the industry post TCF,” he said.