Travel professionals have highlighted the robustness of ATAS as the driving factor in their decision to become AFTA members in 2023.
In 2022, AFTA completed an independent review of ATAS to maintain its status as the benchmark accreditation scheme in travel, both for industry and consumers.
“ATAS is a nationally recognised and respected symbol of professional excellence in travel,” AFTA CEO Dean Long said.
“As the industry peak body, the role of AFTA is to continually elevate standards in travel, so ATAS is not and never will be a pay-to-play rubber stamp.
“All ATAS members are benchmarked against strict criteria so our scheme represents a rigorous application process for both our team and travel businesses, covering everything from auditing submitted financial documentation to monitoring of consumer complaints and a dispute resolution process.
“We know that all ATAS members recognise the value of the legitimate third party endorsement. It provides a proven platform for public recognition of professional and ethical conduct, serving to strengthen the reputation of accredited businesses.
“The value of our united voice with government at all levels cannot be overstated, and ATAS enables individuals to add their voice to these collective discussions.”
Destination Artisans founder Norma Keshishian added: “As a luxury destination management agency specialising in customised private touring, we have grown through the relationships I’ve built with travel agencies where mutual trust and respect are paramount.
“Becoming ATAS accredited this year was essential as my business enjoyed a highly successful 2022 – it was the best year I’ve had since opening.”
Clout Travel partner, Melanie Clout, added to Keshishian’s sentiment, highlighting the impact her ATAS accreditation had on proving her legitimacy and assisted with cruise sales.
“With ATAS being recognised by the major cruise companies, I am able to manage the backend arrangements my business needs as I can now set up my own accounts with cruise lines,” Clout said.
Tropical Lanka Getaways managing director, Deepthi Wijesekera added: “In my three decades in the travel industry I’ve been a passionate advocate for the value of ongoing education and training, especially in the new travel landscape, and that’s exactly what you receive as an ATAS accredited business.
“With Sri Lanka now welcoming tourists it was AFTA’s focus on education and training and the global recognition of ATAS that prompted me to rejoin post pandemic. ATAS promotes a consistency in the level of service industry wide and provides currency and primacy to accredited businesses in the eyes of clients.
“AFTA actively lobbies government at all levels on our behalf, so membership fees represent a small price to pay for the value and member benefits you receive.”
Featured Image: AFTA CEO Dean Long
