ACS names First Data as new merchant acquiring partner

[Wednesday 20 September 2017:] The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) today announced that it has approved First Data, a global leader in commerce-enabling technology, as a preferred merchant acquirer for the recently-launched, members-only AFTA Chargeback Scheme (ACS).

AFTA Chargeback Scheme (ACS) is a non-profit, member-focused organisation. ACS is available to ATAS accredited travel agencies and provides protection against consumer debit and credit card chargebacks. AICS is a Mutual Beneficiary Fund owned by ATAS entities and at no cost to members.

“We are thrilled to partner with AFTA on a scheme that is truly designed to support its members. Feedback from members who have already signed up has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to working with many more of AFTA’s members,” said Kees Kwakernaak, General Manager for First Data in Australia and New Zealand.

“ACS is proud to welcome our newest payment partner First Data. First Data’s range of products and solutions has helped thousands of merchants in Australia easily accept debit and credit card payments wherever they do business. ACS believes First Data is able to support travel agents of all sizes and types and will provide comprehensive solutions to our members,” said AFTA CEO Jayson Westbury.

ATAS travel agents are encouraged to apply to become ACS by completing the form available at www.afta.com.au/atas/ACS.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
AFTA : Dean Long, 0409 466 781
First Data: : Liidia Liuksila, +1 212 515 0174 or Liidia.Liuksila@firstdata.com

Notes to Editors:

About AFTA Chargeback Scheme (ACS)

ACS was established in 2017 to provide protection for ATAS travel agents that experience chargeback as a result of supplier collapse or closure. AICS scheme will be operated under contract by Gow-Gates. ACS is owned by the members of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
Further details can found at www.afta.com.au/atas/ACS

About AFTA

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) is the peak body in Australia representing the retail travel industry.

Founded in 1957, AFTA represents the majority of travel agents in Australia and includes all of the major travel agency groups.

AFTA’s role is to uphold the interests of members in matters relating to the operation of all travel agencies in Australia. In broad terms these issues are ones that are not addressed by agent chain or corporate entities on behalf of their members, and are ones that involve the industry as a whole.

ATAS -TRAVEL ACCREDITED: The AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) is an industry accreditation scheme that sets the benchmark of quality for the travel industry.

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.

The accreditation scheme is open to all travel intermediaries (those that buy and sell travel).