Ardent response for travel consultant accreditation scheme

SOME 97 travel consultants in Singapore have been recognised for their expertise under the NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) Accreditation Scheme since its launch on March 14 (TTG Asia e-Daily, February 22, 2013), and at least 92 individuals are now in line for the next enrolment.

Describing the response to the new scheme as “excellent”, NATAS spokesperson, Alvin Lim, said that several more applications were pending confirmation and the target was to accredit 300 travel consultants by end of 2013.

“We have offered a 50 per cent discount on course fees for the first 100 applicants in the second enrolment to make this programme more accessible to travel consultants from both inbound and outbound travel companies,” said NATAS COO, Anita Tan, adding that while fees are meant to be borne by the travel consultants themselves, some agencies have offered to absorb the cost for their employees.

The three-stage programme (TTG Asia Online, Tip Sheet) costs S$50 (US$39.74), S$75 and S$100 depending on the level of accreditation. When accreditation expires in two to three years’ time, consultants must upgrade their skills through courses to earn a renewal.

According to Tan, the scheme is currently supported by 19 industry leaders, among them are Chung Tak Ing, senior assistant general manager of ASA Holidays and Lee Hwee Noi, manager of Hong Thai Travel services.

“We will review our panel of industry leaders regularly as we are concerned that (the activity) may be too taxing for them. This is a voluntary service after all, and each assessment takes up a full day. Our next review will likely be at the end of this year or early next year,” said Tan.

She added: “Through NATAS Accreditation, we hope to recognise travel consultants who choose to upgrade themselves on their own accord. The accreditation is for the individual, not the company, so it is to their own benefit to earn this recognition. At the same time, the scheme gives consumers a mark of assurance, knowing that the travel consultant serving them is a professional who will deliver quality and reliable service and advice.”

To raise the awareness of this “stamp of quality” among consumers, NATAS is running advertisements in traditional print media and on buses that ply commercial and heartland networks, as well as in a travel supplement to be published during its travel fair this August.

Sourced: ttgasia