Travel with confidence
There have recently been a couple of worrying incidents involving some questionable operations by two travel agents in Victoria, and I thought it was timely to address security and safety of your travel bookings.
Despite the recent incidents, booking your travel through an accredited travel agent, like Malvern Travel & Cruise remains the safest and most secure way to arrange international travel. We all know that researching your next trip is an exciting stage in your travel plans. But did you know that you are not financially protected if you personally book your holidays directly with an operator or online and something went wrong while you were away?
Since the deregulation of the travel industry on 1 July 2014, licensing is now no longer a requirement for travel agents in Australia, however the Australia Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has set up a new Australian Travel Industry body called AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS). ATAS is not mandatory however it was set up to vet Travel Agents financial security, operating processes, business discipline, training, experience, and compliance with the Australian Consumer Law. ATAS requires its accredited members to comply to a strict code of conduct.
Despite anyone being able to sell travel now, this new system will provide consumers with a level of protection and it also provides experienced and honest travel agents, like Malvern Travel & Cruise with a seal of approval that they can be proud of.
So how do you know that your funds are safe when booking your next dream holiday?
Malvern Travel and Cruise are proudly ATAS accredited.
Being ATAS accredited means that we keep your payments in a “Trust” account of which is separate to our operating account, and is never “our” money. This means that airlines, tour companies, cruise companies and wholesalers are paid immediately when you book travel through Malvern Travel & Cruise.
In addition, the helloworld group requires all of its members and associates to be ATAS accredited, as well as provide annual audited financial reporting. They work closely with their members with operating processes and in the running of their business. As a member of the helloworld group, all member’s clients are automatically covered for their reservations and any payments made towards their travel. If a helloworld agent ceases trading for any reason, and a client’s reservation is compromised in any manner, the helloworld Group will step in to cover the arrangements.
Be assured that when you book with Malvern Travel and Cruise that your money is in safe hands and that we are a trusted and reputable travel agent that has over 60 years of travel experience.
Contact Malvern Travel & Cruise Today!
When you book with Malvern Travel & Cruise, you know you’ll get the safety, comfort, convenience, and luxury of travel that is unrivalled, making for a vacation that you’ll never forget! Contact the team or give them a call on (03) 9576 0211.
