The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) has joined in Iata’s recent promptings for governments globally to provide financial support to keep the air travel channel afloat. It is asking governments to extend the financial relief and other support measures taken to include travel agencies.
The association says it is deeply concerned about the catastrophic impact of COVID-19 on all sectors of the air travel channel.
“There is risk that the grounding of airlines will generate a ripple effect of high consequence for the travel industry and the global economy. More relief than has already been provided is needed.
“Money for tickets sold through travel agencies for flights not yet flown has been accrued by airlines through the Iata-BSP payment system. Therefore, with this cash in hand, Iata has a duty to include traveller claims as a component of its members’ responsibilities with respect to existing resolutions and to ensure those are respected by airlines in terms of fulfilling contractual obligations with both passengers and travel agencies. Without this action now, the collapse of the distribution channel is inevitable,” says WTAAA.
The association adds that travel agencies are a critical component of the channel, without whom air bookings cannot occur.
Where travel vouchers are being offered in lieu of refunds, there needs to be flexibility, and the ability for the agents – through the GDS – to administer the vouchers on behalf of their customers. In turn, the money in the system (BSP) needs to be protected as part of any relief package, WTAAA says.
