Association of Travel Management Companies

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What a breeze it was to work with you mate. We really did get some things done :-)) I know you are staying to give the next ATMC chairperson a good handover so we’ll still see you around. Good luck with all of your projects in 2025. Cheers O

On behalf of the ATMC, we extend our warmest congratulations to Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways on the announcement of additional daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane starting in mid-2025. This is a remarkable milestone that will undoubtedly unlock greater choice for travelers heading to Europe and the UK. The collaboration between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways is a significant step forward for the aviation industry, especially as Virgin resumes long-range flying under a new partnership model. We are particularly excited to see the introduction of two daily flights from Sydney to Doha, along with enhanced services from Melbourne and Brisbane. This initiative not only strengthens connectivity but also showcases the high-quality offerings that Qatar Airways is known for, including their exceptional Qsuites. We commend both airlines for their hard work and dedication in facilitating this enhanced service. The interim authorisation from the ACCC is a testament to the positive impact that this collaboration will have on the corporate travel community. Here’s to a successful launch and a prosperous partnership that benefits business travelers and the industry as a whole!

The ATMC and our members, share serious concerns regarding Qantas' recent announcements about their NDC strategy. The promise of parity across all distribution channels and genuine consultation with partners has clearly fallen short, leaving many feeling sidelined. The introduction of a tiered “By Invitation Only” model for NDC access is particularly troubling. This exclusive approach raises questions about how invitations will be extended and who will ultimately benefit. Will just our large Australian TMCs members be prioritised, while others including our international counterparts are left in the dark? This kind of favouritism is not in line with the collaborative spirit that fosters a healthy marketplace. Moreover, the differential surcharges based on geographical location exacerbate the already fragmented experience for our clients. Why should TMCs in the UK face nearly double the booking fees compared to their Australian counterparts? This kind of disparity not only complicates the booking process but also places an unfair burden on our members who are striving to deliver the best value for their clients. It’s essential that we stand together as a united front against these practices. Australian Travel Industry Association our industry deserves a modern airline retailing experience that prioritises equity and accessibility, rather than creating hurdles based on the size or location of a business. The promise of #NDC is to improve efficiency and foster a better relationship between airlines and TMCs. Instead, we’re witnessing a shift toward further fragmentation, where benefits are reserved for a select few. We urge Qantas and other airlines to listen to the TMC community and prioritise the voices of travelers and buyers, ensuring that any new strategies genuinely fulfill the goals of accessibility and fairness. We will continue to collaborate with our colleagues at the The BTA, GEBTA and GBTA | Global Business Travel Association to ensure that the needs and concerns of the broader corporate travel community are heard and addressed. It’s time for a collective push for an NDC that upholds the ideals of modernising airline retail: fairness, transparency, and the ability to offer something more meaningful than simply cheaper fares. Together, we can work towards a future that benefits everyone involved.

Clive Wratten, we completely agree with your concerns about Qantas and their NDC strategy. It’s frustrating to see such a promising initiative morph into something that may end up being more exclusive than inclusive. Qantas initially promised parity across all channels and a commitment to consult with its distribution partners, but it feels like those promises have been abandoned. The creation of a “By Invitation Only” level for NDC access is particularly alarming. It raises serious questions about who gets to play in this space and how larger or non-Australian TMCs are being treated. There should be a straightforward and equitable path for all TMCs, regardless of their size or location. The inconsistent surcharges based on geographical location only add to the confusion and complexity that NDC was supposed to simplify. Why is there such a drastic difference in costs for booking through EDIFACT depending on where you’re based? This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it feels discriminatory and counterproductive to what we’re all trying to achieve in modern airline retailing. We need to unite as a TMC community, alongside the voices of the buyers and travelers, to push back against these practices. It's time to demand a system that truly works for everyone involved—one that focuses on providing a better experience without unnecessary discrimination or complexity. Let's continue to advocate for a fair and modernized airline retailing system that benefits all parties, not just the largest players. It’s disappointing that after 12 years, we’re still grappling with these issues instead of seeing the positive changes we were promised. Together, let’s keep pushing for an NDC that genuinely delivers on its intended goals!

📢 Leadership Update: Thank You, Tass Messinis! As 2024 comes to a close, we announce with gratitude and some changes that Tass Messinis will be stepping down as Chairperson of the ATMC board. 💼 A Legacy to Celebrate🎉 Tass has led ATMC through an incredible phase of growth and achievements since succeeding Rob Dell: ✨ Significant growth in membership numbers. ✨ Introduction of a virtual PA, boosting our LinkedIn followers from 300 to 1,450 in just a year. ✨ Key partnerships established with Virgin Australia, The BTA, GEBTA, and GBTA | Global Business Travel Association. ✨ Contributions to the global white paper on Fragmentation, presented at international conferences. ✨ Shaping the now-iconic Australia Corporate Travel Summit | ACTS conference, a proud highlight for ATMC. 🙏 Gratitude for Exceptional Leadership Thank you, Tass, for your dedication and vision. Your impact has been profound, and we’re grateful for the lasting legacy you’ve built. 📌 What’s Next Tass will stay on to support a seamless handover to the incoming Chairperson. #LeadershipChange #ThankYouTass #ATMCCommunity #2024Achievements #Gratitude #ATMCLeadership

🎉 Welcome to the TIME - Travel Industry Mentor Experience Community, Brianna Drummond! Congratulations on your graduation from the TIME - Travel Industry Mentor Experience! Brianna reflects on her journey: "The program was invaluable as I transitioned into a leadership role, and Nicole’s guidance was key to my success." Wishing you continued success in the travel industry! #Mentoring #TravelIndustry #LeadershipDevelopment #TIMECommunity

🏆 ATPI Triumphs at Travel Daily Media Asia Awards! 🌟 ATPI secured two major wins: ✨ ATPI India Pvt. Ltd: Business Technology Innovation of the Year – India for its advanced Traveller Tracking System. ✨ ATPI Indonesia: Business Events Travel Agency of the Year – Indonesia for exceptional M.I.C.E solutions. A proud moment showcasing ATPI’s innovation and excellence in travel management! #TravelInnovation #BusinessAwards #MICEEvents #TravelManagementCompany

🎙️ Catch the Latest Episode of BTA in Conversation! Join CEO Clive Wratten and Commercial Director @Andrew Clarke as they explore the latest developments in the business travel industry. This episode covers: ➡️ The BTA's white paper on fragmentation, tackling challenges in content access. ➡️ Highlights from Clive’s travels to the Australian Corporate Travel Summit and Seville. ➡️ Insights into the UK’s latest budget and its impact on business travel. ➡️ Success stories from the sold-out Mobility and Finance Conferences. Stay updated on key industry trends—tune in now! 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eZVZUArZ #BusinessTravel #YourBTA #IndustryInsights

✈️🌍 Flying Toward a Greener Future with SAF Certificates! 🌱 Leading companies like BlackRock, Ripple, Samsara Inc., and Block Inc. are investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificates (SAFc) to offset business travel emissions. These funds support adding sustainable fuel to flights, reducing aviation's carbon footprint. Why it matters: ✅ Cuts CO2 emissions by up to 80% ♻️ Made from renewable or waste sources 🌐 A key step toward net-zero aviation by 2050 With backing from the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) and companies like Netflix, Deloitte, and JPMorgan Chase, SAFc investments have already abated 500,000 tonnes of CO2. As Alaska Airlines says: "SAF is essential to decarbonizing aviation." Together, we’re paving the way for sustainable skies! 🌟 #Sustainability #SAF #NetZero #AviationInnovation