The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) will form the Council of Independent Travel Agents and Advisors (CITAA), pledging to deliver smaller independent agencies with a stronger leadership voice moving forward.
Announced at the Beyond Borders Travel Summit by Chair Christian Hunter, CITAA will allow independent agents to “move from commentary to leadership”, and help better shape the future of the industry and ATIA’s role.
“We recognise that there could be some independent agents who have felt the association favours larger businesses – as a board, we would probably fundamentally disagree with that, but this is our opportunity to demonstrate that we are open to constructive dialogue,” Hunter said.
While not directly addressed as a factor in the creation of CITAA, the development follows traction gained online in September, which called for a new association to represent the specific interests of smaller agencies.
Interested independent agents can now nominate to join CITAA through the atia.travel website.
MEANWHILE, responding to feedback, ATIA revealed that from March next year, its members will have access to a new insurance scheme that provides comprehensive cover in respect to public liability and professional indemnity through a new partner.
In the coming weeks, ATIA will make a formal announcement to members and the corporate sector revealing more details.
