AFTA’s role is to address major industry issues relating to the operation of all travel agencies in Australia. In broad terms these issues are ones that are not addressed by peak agent chain or corporate entities on behalf of their members, and are ones that involve the industry as a whole.
The issues in question include but are not limited to:
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- Government regulation of the industry
- Licensing regulations and legislation
- The Travel Compensation Fund (TCF)
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Matters involving major industry entities such as the Council of Australian Tour Operators (and wholesalers), and inbound tourism operators through the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC)
- Matters involving the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) and their role in regulating the industry and granting of immunity to Australian Trade Practices law to major entities such as IATA and airlines
- The promotion of tourism with focus and emphasis on outbound and domestic tourism
- Maintenance and negotiation of the Industrial Award affecting industry employees
- Negotiation on behalf of the industry where necessary with major suppliers
- Involvement in global councils that make decisions that affect the operations of travel agents in Australia to ensure the Australian agent position is protected
- Involvement in the negotiation of all change affecting the industry such as major GDS changes; industry systems and procedures and regulation by industry entities such as IATA and the TCF
- Co-operative working with organisations such as the International Cruise Council of Australia in order to secure the position of travel agents
- Industry education and training
- Mounting of industry events such as the National Travel Industry Awards on an impartial and unbiased basis
- Providing information to members regarding Industrial Relations and Human Resources law
- Advice to members involving resolution of difficulties with clients and suppliers
- Providing a mediation service for members between the member and clients (where necessary) in order to avoid litigation of Fair Trading hearings
- Lobbying on behalf of the industry in all areas which can affect industry operations
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