United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Top Travel Group Highlights Dangers of Web Scams
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.”
Graham Muldoon
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel