The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has confirmed further concrete action to lobby against a proposed RBA change to surcharges.
ATIA has this week lodged a new submission to the Federal Government to reaffirm previous efforts advocating for travel businesses to retain the right to use surcharging on debit and credit card transactions.
The industry body’s Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Ingrid Fraser, said surcharges cover the “real costs of payment processing” when a customer chooses to pay by card.
“The RBA estimates that only 10% of merchants apply surcharges, but in travel, 95% of accredited agents, tour operators, and wholesalers rely on them.
“Much of the debate focuses on a 10-cent surcharge on a coffee, but travel transactions are far larger, and the financial impact on businesses is significant,” Fraser added.
In its new submission, ATIA also highlighted the need for corresponding cuts in bank and interchange fees, so businesses are not left shouldering the costs.
Next week, ATIA said it will continue its engagement on the topic with the RBA and the Minister for Financial Services, Daniel Mulino, to ensure policymakers understand the practical impacts on members, as well as the services they provide to travellers.
