18 July Industry Stalwarts and Consumer Representatives Appointed to ATAS Appeals Complaint Committee (ACAC) July 18, 2023 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 This means the committee which is led by Independent Chair Hank Speir, former CEO of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, is now back up and running at full capacity after a COVID-forced pause and after last year’s independent review of ATAS. David Padman and Melvyn Almeida bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the ACAC. Their deep understanding of the intricacies of the travel sector will be invaluable in reviewing and resolving complaints with impartiality and expertise. Joining them on the committee are consumer representatives Philip Field and Jillian Brewer whose consumer-focused perspectives and extensive experience further add to the Committee’s focus on balanced and fair decision-making to benefit participating travel businesses and consumers. The ACAC is a partnership with the Consumer Federation Australia which jointly selects the Chair of the ACAC with AFTA and appoints the consumer representatives. All ATAS members benefit from access to complaint resolution support including where necessary via the ACAC. All ATAS members are benchmarked against strict criteria as part of a rigorous application process covering everything including an audit of submitted financial documentation through to monitoring of consumer complaints and the dispute resolution process. Quotes from AFTA CEO Dean Long: "We are thrilled to welcome these highly respected individuals to the ATAS Appeals Complaint Committee and thank them in advance for their time and contribution. Their appointments reinforce our commitment to transparency and excellence in the travel industry.” “The ACAC's formation is an essential step in upholding the integrity of the ATAS accreditation scheme and further enhancing industry standards. By including industry stalwarts and consumer representatives, AFTA ensures that the committee has a comprehensive understanding of both industry-specific nuances and consumer perspectives.” "These appointments to the ACAC highlight our commitment to maintaining a fair and robust complaint resolution process. Their collective expertise and dedication will strengthen the credibility and transparency of the ATAS accreditation scheme." “Travel industry professionals can have confidence in the ATAS Appeals Complaint Committee's ability to impartially review decisions and provide resolutions. AFTA's commitment to accountability and fairness ensures that the ATAS remains the benchmark accreditation scheme in the travel industry.” For more information about ATAS and its accreditation scheme, please visit https://afta.com.au/ATAS-Accreditation Related Articles Industry Experts Convene for Inaugural ATAS Advisory Committee Meeting It’s straight to action for the ATAS Advisory Committee (AAC) with briefings from several experts and committee appointments with David Walker named Chair and Scott Darlow Vice-Chair. ATAS support through complaint process a winner Support through successful management and resolution of customer disputes is one of the many benefits of being ATAS accredited according to participating travel professionals. Record-high ATAS accreditation renewals In a resounding endorsement of the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is delighted to report an unprecedented surge in accreditation renewals, demonstrating the industry’s robust confidence in the scheme. Travel has a new home – the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) The Australian Travel Industry has a new peak industry body representing travel agents and advisors, tour operators, consolidators and wholesalers replacing the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) effective today. Mainstream Media Profiling Delivers for ATAS Businesses The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA)’s ongoing mainstream media profiling of ATAS businesses is a winner, with members who continue to benefit from national media exposure. Claiming tax deductions for travel businesses: webinar reminder for ATAS members One of the many benefits of ATAS accreditation is ongoing education for participating travel professionals, and next Tuesday’s webinar will welcome a guest presenter from the ATO to explain claiming tax deductions for small businesses. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.