Top Travel Group Highlights Dangers of Web Scams

Saturday, 13 Jul, 2006 0

The winner of this year’s National Travel Industry “Best Agency Group”, Travelscene American Express, has highlighted the importance of utilising a travel agent in the wake of recent internet scams which have stung Australian travellers.

A bogus airline website, newflights.net, was recently shut down after scamming dozens of travellers and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission has warned consumers to be vigilant against copy cat sites.

Travelscene American Express was awarded the prestigious industry accolade at an Australian Federation of Travel Agents event on Saturday evening in Melbourne. Managing Director, Mr. Bob Steel, stated that while the internet is a valuable research tool, consumers best protection is to leave the booking to a licensed travel agent.

“We’re not out to destroy the integrity of the internet because it is a valuable way for travellers to research a destination, prices or products. But it can be a very dangerous tool for consumers to book on unless its through a licensed travel agent.”

Mr. Steel, who was also re-elected Chair of AFTA at the event, stated that AFTA’s new campaign promoting the benefits of using travel agents was vital. “Many consumers are not aware of the risks involved in booking travel. The campaign tag line ‘without a travel agent you’re on your own” has been made all too real for this unfortunate group of consumers.

Using a licensed travel agent to finalise arrangements, be it bricks or clicks, means you have the safety and security of a professional who can validate the integrity of a website, its prices and the claims it is making. And if something ever does go wrong, you have somewhere to turn to give you assistance.”

below social share icons

Graham Muldoon

Celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2022, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® offers guests An Unrivaled Experience® with every luxury included. Carrying...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

In 2024, The Red Sea will be ready to welcome 300,000 guests in line with the completion of 16 hotels...

To say Sweden is fit for a fairy tale is not overstating it—the palaces dazzle, the boreal forests are brimming...

Air Transat is Canada’s number one leisure airline. It flies to some 60 international destinations in more than 25 countries...

Queensland – where it’s rude not to stare Here in Queensland, there’s plenty to do. But there’s even more to...

Our Mission Ecommerce has transformative powers, and we believe everyone should be able to take part. But outdated solutions and...

The Florida Keys and Key West is a 126 mile long string of Islands connected to South Florida by the...

If you’re thinking of cruising, there’s a very good chance you’re considering a Carnival cruise. Growing since our founding in...

The Polish Tourism Organisation (Polska Organizacja Turystyczna – POT) is one of several dozen national tourism organisations operating in the...

ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed...

In the heart of Europe, in one of the most innovative cities in the world, at the centre of business,...

Global Hotel Alliance brings together a unique collection of independent hospitality brands for GHA DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme. GHA...