AFTA accreditation enters next phase

AFTA accreditation enters next phase
By admin


The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has been awarded a grant of $2.8 million by Consumer Affairs ministers for the development and implementation of its new accreditation scheme.

Although well below the $9m requested, the sum, to be drawn from Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) reserves, will provide AFTA with adequate resources to fund its plans for the new scheme, according to chief executive Jayson Westbury.

"This grant brings a base funding to the industry to ensure that the accreditation scheme can be delivered and established properly," he said.

The body will embark on a national roadshow in the coming months which will enable it to consult with industry members from across Australia and directly involve them in the development of the new scheme.

Although the terms of the TCF trust deed mean funds cannot be returned to agency owners, with the remainder instead destined for return to the state and territory governments, Westbury was confident the industry would see the value of the plans, now made possible by the grant.

"As we go around the country and explain the accreditation scheme and engage in two-way communication with agency owners, I am sure everyone will see that our plan is very sound," he said.

Meanwhile, AFTA's recently appointed general manager accreditation Gary O'Riordan underlined his commitment to engaging with as many agents as possible over the coming months with more elements of the scheme's roll-out to be revealed soon.

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