Image source: The Advertiser Photo: Keryn Stevens
South Australian travel agent Zeljka Loncar from Zym Travel has been arrested for duping customers.
The Advertiser reported late last week that Loncar had been charged with ‘dishonestly dealing with documents’.
The report claims that the agent had cancelled the bookings of more than 20 clients, but kept the refunded money.
While it is a positive step that Loncar has been arrested for her alleged dishonesty, it does nothing to help the many customers who have lost money and had their holiday plans disrupted.
Barry Mayo, chairman of TravelManagers and vocal advocate for a replacement for the TCF, said that the company felt “extremely strongly about the issues of consumer protection and defending the integrity of the travel agency community.”
“With the disestablishment of the Travel Compensation Fund (TCF) there have been six travel agency collapses since 14 May 2015, with consumer losses to date being estimated to be well in excess of $1 million,” said Mayo.
He went on to say that TravelManagers “does not see the situation for consumer protection or upholding travel agency integrity improving without continued discussion and questioning” and he is keen to see the following statements and accompanying questions debated within the wider travel industry. (The quotes below are from government spokespeople):
“Industry regulation and consumer protection will be upheld through the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and voluntary initiatives.”
Can government explain how the ACL will assist customers of Zym Travel and the customers of the previous five travel agency collapses since 14 May to have their tickets reinstated or their lost money recovered when it is likely the principals of Zym Travel and the other defaulting agents will have no assets?
“The ACL provides appropriate protection for consumers.”
Can any government minister responsible for consumer affairs demonstrate how the ACL has provided protection for the customers of Zym Travel and the previous five travel agency insolvencies since 14 May?
“The Australian Federation Travel Agents (AFTA) has developed a voluntary accreditation scheme (ATAS) for the industry which will help consumers identify reputable businesses.”
Can any government representative comprehensively demonstrate in detail exactly what has been done to help consumers identify reputable businesses?
Given the number of issues over the last couple of months, Travel Monitor agrees that these are fair questions in response to past government statements and worthy of discussion.
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