In a tumultuous period for the travel industry, TravelManagers is emerging as a beacon of security and stability thanks to its industry-leading financial protections. When TravelManagers’ Chief Operating Officer, Grant Campbell, learned of Air Vanuatu’s liquidation in May, his immediate concern was the airline staff, travellers, and advisors affected. More recently, with REX entering voluntary administration, the full impact remains uncertain. However, Campbell confidently asserts that TravelManagers’ travel managers (PTMs) are safeguarded against the risks associated with credit card chargebacks (CCCBs).

“Thirteen of our PTMs had clients impacted by the Air Vanuatu collapse,” Campbell explains. “Our Credit Card Charge Back Insurance (CCCBI) policy ensured they were fully protected against losses from credit card chargebacks. To date, it has reimbursed over $30,000 in claims.”

In scenarios where a travel advisor acts as a merchant, they risk covering the full charge if the end supplier fails to deliver due to insolvency, leading clients to request chargebacks. Campbell highlights that TravelManagers is uniquely positioned in Australia with this CCCBI protection.

Bianca Aarts, a newly joined PTM, reflects on the importance of these protections. “When Air Vanuatu collapsed, I realized how crucial TravelManagers’ consumer protections, including the CCCBI policy, truly are,” she says. Supplier insolvency isn’t new; it was my biggest fear when starting my own business. Although experiencing it within my first six months was challenging, I’m grateful for the protection TravelManagers provides.”

Aarts credits TravelManagers’ National Partnership Office (NPO) team for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in her early success. “I knew I needed a solid foundation, and the NPO team has been with me every step of the way. Joining TravelManagers was the best decision I made,” she adds.

Darren Christensen, a seasoned PTM with over fifteen years at TravelManagers, echoes this sentiment. “The collapse of Air Vanuatu reminded me of TravelManagers’ comprehensive protections. In the past five years, I’ve had two clients’ travel plans disrupted by the financial failures of established suppliers. Each time, TravelManagers’ risk mitigation measures shielded us from financial loss,” he recounts.

Campbell further emphasizes the nightmare scenario for travel advisors of informing clients that their money is irrecoverable due to supplier insolvency. “TravelManagers’ consumer protections not only secure client funds but also protect agent commissions, ensuring these difficult conversations are avoided,” he asserts.

This robust financial safety net fosters confidence among PTMs and reinforces TravelManagers’ commitment to its advisors and clients. As the travel industry navigates uncertain times, TravelManagers stands out as a paragon of security and reliability, continuing to set new standards in financial protection.

Written by: Michelle Warner

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