The Bottom Line.
Travel agents are not going to become obsolete in the future
. In fact, the changing times have brought about some new opportunities for travel agents to capitalize on and grow. What is important is to embrace the change, adapt to it, and make the best of it!
Who regulates travel agents in Australia?
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
What are the benefits for consumers to use a travel agent that has the ATAS accreditation?
ATAS protects you by acting as a clear indicator of quality and reliability. Agents with ATAS accreditation
meet high quality standards of business practices, training and professionalism
. This means you can book your travel through a trusted and reputable travel agent with confidence and peace of mind.
What is the current role of travel agents and why do we still need them?
As industry experts, travel agents are
trained to know the vacation product well
. They can save you time on extensive research and give you the peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a professional.
When did travel agents become obsolete?
How did the decline happen in one of the first industries to be digitalized? In a world where personal travel can be fully planned online, traditional physical travel agencies have long ago become obsolete: in
2013
in the United States, there were 13,000 retail travel locations in the US, down ~60% vs.
Do you need a license to be a travel agent in Australia?
Is a travel agent still required to hold a licence?
No, a travel agent licence is not required to operate a travel agency
. For information on accreditation click here.
Do you need a Licence to be a travel agent in Australia?
You no longer need a licence to be a travel agent
; however, you must continue to comply with other laws, such as the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). For help understanding the key provisions of the ACL, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s free online education program.
What does Australian Federation of Travel Agents do?
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents Limited (AFTA) is
the peak body for Australia’s travel agents and travel businesses
and represents over 80% of all travel distributors and tour operators in Australia.
Why is ATAS required?
The ATAS certificate
plays a major role in visa issuance
. The Entry Clearance Officer will demand an ATAS certificate while processing your visa application. If you fail to furnish your ATAS certificate, you will be denied the student visa.
Why would a travel agency join AFTA and ATAS?
AFTA is committed, through ATAS,
to elevating travel industry standards in Australia by driving increased and continued participation by travel intermediaries in ATAS and raising consumer awareness of the benefits of booking travel through an ATAS accredited agent
.
Why should Travellers book with an ATAS accredited agency?
Accredited travel agents are vetted
to give the guidance travellers need, to ensure they get to where they want to be and when, with professional support and ease
. Whether deciding on overseas or Australia tourist destination, there is more to plan a trip, than meets the eye.
Why are travel agents still a thing?
Travel agents are still
used for expert guidance, personalized travels, and to save time
. The Internet has made it easier to book your own travels, but with that comes informational overload.
What are the disadvantages of using a travel agent?
Cons:
Travel agents don’t always present the cheapest option
. If you are price sensitive, the best option is to book online directly with the service provider. While agents can add perks and value add-ons, they don’t come cheap (think service fee and commission margins).
Are travel agents worth it 2021?
If you’re thinking about booking a vacation in 2021,
it’s a no brainer to book with a travel advisor
. Working with an agent can save you both time and money and in turn, reduce all the stress that comes along with travel planning.
Are travel agencies dying?
And lastly,
travel agents are not a dying breed
.
‘ The answer: Yes, and we still account for one-third of all travel booked in the United States,” insists O’Shaughnessy. It’s still a profitable industry in the United States and there’s no reason to believe the industry is dying off.
Do travel agents make good money?
Decent Earning Potential
Although the earnings of travel agents are not all that exorbitant,
the job promises decent pay
. What is this? For instance, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ 2019 report put the median annual income for travel agents at $44,410.
How do travel agents get paid?
A travel agent makes money by
charging fees for separate elements of travel
. For example, instead of charging a commission for booking tickets with airlines or hotel rooms, travel agents earn money by charging a service fee for each booked part.
Are travel agents regulated?
The CAA regulates travel organisers
primarily in order to provide customers with protection against their insolvency, to ensure that they do not become stranded abroad or lose money paid in advance when a tour operator fails.
How much does a travel agent make in Australia?
The average travel agent salary in Australia is
$52,500 per year or $26.92 per hour
. Entry-level positions start at $52,500 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $56,500 per year.
Do you need a qualification to be a travel agent?
There are no set entry requirements, but a good general standard of education is expected
. Some employers may ask for English and maths GCSEs or equivalent. Good geographical knowledge will also be helpful.
How do I become a travel agent in Australia?
To become ATAS accredited, a new travel business (start-up) is required to have at least 50% of staff in a travel selling position to hold a Certificate III in Travel or equivalent or have at least 2 years experience in a travel selling position.
How do I become a travel agent accredited?
- Proof of 2 years of experience.
- Proof of Business License.
- Proof of Business ownership.
- Proof of Seller of Travel for agencies based in California, Florida, Hawaii, or Washington.
- Proof of Bank Account.
How many travel agents are there in Australia?
| Characteristic Number of travel agencies | – – |
|---|
Which union best represents travel agents?
Tourism Workers Union
– United Workers Union.
What is the peak industry body for travel agents?
The peak industry body for travel agents,
the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA)
, has put together the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS).
What benefits does the AFTA hold when using an agent?
- Employment – contracts, award interpretation, hours, overtime, casuals, union matters and superannuation.
- Wage Rates – allowances, payment of wages.
- Leave – personal, long service, parental, annual and public holidays.
