Can You Trust an Australian Travel Agent to Get You the Best Deals?

 The promise of a great holiday can be a double-edged sword. Excitement over the dream destination can be tempered with a knot of anxiety over visas, flights and the ever-changing web of prices and availability.

For many Aussies, the solution is to turn to a professional travel agent. These experts can help with sourcing the best deals, creating an itinerary that ticks all the boxes and avoiding any pitfalls. But with the current Covid hiccups, some travellers are wondering whether their trusty travel agents can be relied upon to do what they say on the tin.

AFTA runs the only travel agency accreditation scheme recognised by the government known as ATAS and provides consumers with confidence that they are dealing with an authorised travel agency with the right skills, training and expertise. AFTA members are required to hold appropriate qualifications in their field of expertise, attend regular professional development seminars and are able to provide the right advice at the time of booking.

The organisation has recently stepped up its efforts to promote the benefits of using an ATAS accredited travel agent. One of the reasons is that ATAS members are required to adhere to an ethical code of practice that includes a commitment to offer fully independent and unbiased advice. This means that travellers can feel confident in the knowledge that the travel agent has their best interests at heart.

This is especially important for cruising and tour arrangements services, where the success of a client's holiday often depends on the accuracy of their information. An example of this can be seen in a recent case where Mr and Mrs Cross were booked on a tour to New Zealand which included two days skiing at Mount Hutton, but when they arrived the tour operator had closed early due to lack of snow.

While online booking tools have become very popular and allow people to compare prices on their own, this does not necessarily mean that they are getting the best deal. For example, it is possible to get better rates on cruises by booking directly through the cruise line rather than through an agency. It is also important to remember that not all websites are created equal, so it is a good idea to check out a few different options before making a decision.

In addition, there is a growing number of cruise lines that are offering special deals for Australians and those from other parts of the world. These special offers are usually only available for a limited time, so it is essential to book early if you want to secure your place.

Australia’s cruise industry is set to return to growth this year, with downstream demand and profit margins improving on the back of a recovery in global tourist numbers. The recovery in tourism is being driven by improved global economic conditions, increased real household discretionary incomes and an appreciating Australian dollar. This is expected to drive growth in both international and domestic tourism, which in turn will benefit tour operators.Australian Travel Agent