TAANZ and the Australian Travel Industry Association have joined forces to discuss the issues facing agencies, and how best to respond.
Representatives from both organisatons met in Sydney last week for an update that covered supplier risk, the global aviation environment and what the agency model will look like in five years.
They also discussed how to improve the ATIA Industry Protection Program, with learnings from TAANZ’s bonding program.
TAANZ ceo Julie White says the transtasman alignment isn’t just logical, it’s essential—adding that there are real synergies across the two markets.
“At TAANZ, we recognise that while New Zealand and Australia each have their own nuances, the core challenges our members face are very similar,” says White.
“By working closely with ATIA, we can tap into those synergies, advocate more effectively, reduce duplication, and make things simpler and more efficient for our members.”
ATIA’s ceo Dean Long adds that this ATIA/TAANZ relationship is built on the understanding that an issue that impacts Australia will most likely impact New Zealand, and vice versa.
“That’s what’s underpinned this relationship for the last 40 years with both organisations identifying where those things overlap and working together to solve those issues for our joint members.”
Industry bonding and consumer protection are examples of the ben efits of this collaboration.
Long says New Zealand has been a leader in industry bonding and consumer protection for 30 years.
“We want to understand what lessons TAANZ has, what can be shared, and if there are areas for collaboration and synergy that deliver the greatest value for our members at the lowest price point.”
