THE communications between
travel agents and Iata remain
problematic, South African travel
agents say. One of the effects of the
perceived “unequal” relationship is
a major reduction in the number of
Iata-accredited agencies according to
industry players.
Ceo of Asata, Otto de Vries says
that during the past five years,
the number of accredited agents
has dropped from about 1500 to
500. “I think the drop in numbers
is indicative of a general problem
in the agency programme. It is too
complicated, too onerous and too
expensive to be an Iata-accredited
agent,” he says. But he also says
recently there have been several
Iata developments to smoothe the
relationship with agents, such as
the introduction of ICE statements.
The New Generation Iata Settlement
Systems are also an indication that
Iata has recognised the need for new
business models, says Otto.
“I have had several run-ins with
Iata. They are a very powerful
organisation that wields a big stick
over travel agents and I feel it could
be better,” says Rachael Penaluna,
business manager of Sure Maritime
Travel.
Rachael recently experienced a
case of misallocated payments with
Iata. Even though she had paid her
weekly billings on time, Iata sent her
a warning for non-payment giving her
two days to address the situation.
But Iata still terminated her ticketing
facilities that day.
Rachael sent through copies of BSP
billings, bank letters and payment
confirmation as well as the agency’s
ICE statement, which all showed that
Iata had misallocated the funds.
“After two days of negotiation, Iata
agreed to activate our account
again,” she says.
Says Rachael: “These problems
arise because discussion with Iata
is not an option. I believe agents
should be given at least 48 hours
to challenge or rectify a default
issued by Iata. We are at a huge
disadvantage in the South African
market, because the portal only
operates for three hours a day and
the SA representatives of Iata have
no power to make decisions.”
“We severed our relationship
with Iata several years ago, due
to a similar incident,” says Henry
Sudwarts, md of Disa Travel and
Tours. Henry says in his case it
took Iata several months to admit
the error, causing the agency huge
embarrassment with airlines.
“Although we were eventually
reactivated, we decided to ticket
through Club Travel. We would never
consider applying for an Iata license
now. Small agencies are totally at the
mercy of monolithic giants like Iata.
David Pegg, md of Sure Viva
Travels, says he has never
had any major run-ins with
Iata other than one incident
when he took over a travel
agency in Bloemfontein.
However, David explains
that he turned to the Iata
travel agency commissioner
Andreas Korosi, who is
based in Helsinki but who
deals with Africa.
“Travel agents need to
know their rights. If they feel
that Iata has infringed upon
their rights, they should
appeal to the travel agency
commissioner,” he says.
TNW tried to contact Iata,
but got no response.
