9 May Record-high ATAS accreditation renewals May 9, 2024 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 The accreditation milestone was released following the most recent meeting of the ATAS Advisory Committee (AAC). The AAC is chaired by David Walker and co-chaired by Scott Darlow. Other volunteer members are Deb Fox, Ken Morgan, Steve Hui, Gina Norman, Chad Carey, Brett Mitchell, Brett Dann, and Lauren Gray. ATIA Director David Smith, ATIA CEO Dean Long, and ATIA Compliance Manager Nina Hedges also attended the March meeting. The role of the AAC is to work with ATIA to ensure ATAS is celebrated for its role as a beacon of trust and excellence within the travel industry and for consumers. About ATAS ATAS, the Travel Sector’s prestigious accreditation program, is pivotal in distinguishing exemplary travel businesses that meet and exceed the highest industry benchmarks. Accreditation under ATAS is contingent upon stringent criteria, including an in-depth analysis of business models, compliance with Australian Consumer Law, indemnity insurance verification, workforce qualification standards, annual financial reviews, daily director checks, and a robust consumer complaints program. QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO AAC CHAIR DAVID WALKER “During our March AAC meeting, in addition to the major focus on addressing the non-economic loss High Court precedent, the committee engaged deeply with topics such as the effectiveness of participant compliance, innovations to bolster ATAS’s robustness, and the proficient management of consumer complaints. Notably, the significant increase in accreditation renewals ahead of previous years signals the industry’s growing recognition of ATAS as the benchmark for excellence in travel services.” “Our latest AAC meeting reinforced our shared commitment to propelling the industry forward, ensuring ATAS remains the gold standard for travel accreditation.” QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO DEAN LONG “The record-high renewal rates for ATAS accreditation underscore the travel industry’s strong belief in the value and integrity of ATAS. ATIA appreciates the ongoing dedication of our AAC members whose expert insights continue to advance ATAS at an operational level and build its reputation as the hallmark of trusted travel businesses.” Related Articles Showcase your ATAS accreditation on socials, with a trip to Singapore on offer Are you ready to showcase your prestigious ATAS accreditation? It’s not just a badge of honour; it’s your ticket to an incredible opportunity, with the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) announcing the #ATAS24 social media showcase. 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. Industry Stalwarts and Consumer Representatives Appointed to ATAS Appeals Complaint Committee (ACAC) Industry stalwarts David Padman and Melvyn Almeida, along with consumer representatives Philip Field and Jillian Brewer, have been announced as the committee members for the critically important ATAS Appeals Complaint Committee (ACAC). 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. 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. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.