29 March 2025: With Bangkok in a State of Emergency and the wider devastation of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar becoming more apparent, Australia’s travel agents and businesses are provided much needed support for impacted Australians.
In the 12 months to January 2025, 605,700 Australians visited Thailand with 89,480 Australians heading off to Thailand in January alone. While Myanmar is a much smaller tourism destination for Australians, there is is a substantial ripple effect on Australians' travel plans across the region as well as the immediate impact on those travellers caught up in the immediate impact of the disaster.
Why ATIA-Accredited Travel Agents and Businesses Matter in a Crisis
When travel plans fall apart, accredited travel agents are the difference between a quick resolution and being stuck in limbo. ATIA’s members are working around the clock to support Australian travellers, demonstrating why professional travel assistance is essential:
- Navigating the Chaos: Travel agents are rebooking flights, securing alternative routes, and ensuring travellers make it to their destinations with minimal disruption.
- Advocating for Travellers: In times of crisis, travel agents negotiate with airlines and suppliers on behalf of their clients, ensuring fair outcomes.
- Real-Time Expertise: Accredited professionals provide timely, tailored advice to keep clients informed and supported at every stage of their journey.
Without a Travel Agent, You’re On Your Own
The reality is clear: travellers who book through accredited agents and travel businesses have a trusted advocate when the unexpected happens. ATIA urges Australians to always book with an ATIA-accredited travel business to ensure they have the support they need when global events impact their plans.
ATIA CEO DEAN LONG AND ATIA MEMBERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW
please contact LJ Loch at lj.loch@atia.travel or 0488 038 555
Key Facts:
Why ATIA-Accredited Travel Agents and Businesses Matter in a Crisis
When travel plans fall apart, accredited travel agents are the difference between a quick resolution and being stuck in limbo. ATIA’s members are working around the clock to support Australian travellers, demonstrating why professional travel assistance is essential:
- Navigating the Chaos: Travel agents are rebooking flights, securing alternative routes, and ensuring travellers make it to their destinations with minimal disruption.
- Advocating for Travellers: In times of crisis, travel agents negotiate with airlines and suppliers on behalf of their clients, ensuring fair outcomes.
- Real-Time Expertise: Accredited professionals provide timely, tailored advice to keep clients informed and supported at every stage of their journey.
About us:
About ATIA (www.atia.travel):
The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s $69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs.
In 2024 alone, ATIA members booked $13.5 Billion TTV of retail bookings, $11.8 Billion of Corporate Bookings and $5.6 Billion of Land Operations. Typically, at least 70% of all international air sales in Australia are through our members, and over 90% of corporate sales (medium and large businesses), rather than directly through airlines. Whereas with cruises, 73% of travellers use travel advisors to book.
An impressive 92% of ATIA members are small businesses, with women making up 72% of the workforce.
ATIA administers the ATIA Accredited program, which is the largest and most representative accreditation scheme for travel businesses in Australia. ATIA represents over 1,120 ATIA Accredited members and over 28,000 employees nationwide, directly supporting 16.98 million Australian travellers every year.
Contact details:
For media enquiries & interviews with Dean and members, please contact LJ Loch at lj.loch@atia.travel or 0488 038 555