The Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) warns travelers to beware of unscrupulous Travel Agencies and/or agents who claim to be AZTA members and are not. Travel agents who do so are intentionally misleading their clients by trying to elevate their business credibility and status. AZTA members adhere to a Code of Conduct that governs the way the members deal with their customers, suppliers and each other. In giving the best possible service, AZTA members not only maintain their own good standing and the association’s but also to the industry as a whole. This assures the customers and suppliers have the assurance of the best quality of service at all times. It is advisable to always use an AZTA-affiliated company for competent service and peace of mind when traveling.

To the Travel Agents

The unauthorized use of the AZTA logo by agents is fraudulent. Unauthorized use of the AZTA logo may lead to legal action being taken against the agent. If in doubt as to whether you are an AZTA member, check that you have paid your annual subscription fee. If you have not, then please remove the AZTA logo from your stationery both online and physical immediately. Once you have been reinstated as a member upon subscription payment, then you may put the logo back on. If you are interested in becoming a member – the application form is on the AZTA website. We welcome new members and will assist wherever possible.

Unsecured credit to customers putting agencies in a difficult position

Would you advance unsecured credit to your clients for over 30 days, as a deal to get their business, without any guarantees? So why is it becoming quite common that travel agencies are being asked to do it by customers? It is now an increasing trend that travel agencies are not being paid by the agreed date and agents face difficulties procuring payment at all in some cases. In every other retail outlet it is cash up front, but not in the travel industry? Travel agencies worldwide have to provide a guarantee with IATA (International Air Transport Association) which is calculated on a set of financial criteria. The guarantee is based on cash sales in each business. This makes cash inaccessible and shows as a liability on the financial statement. If a travel agency defaults on any of their payments to the airlines, IATA offsets their guarantee to recover the amount owing. No one secures a credit facility from the airlines direct; they have to pay cash up front when they purchase an air ticket. There is a vast financial burden placed on agencies, mainly when it is expected that agencies should do it for free, especially when the customer expects the agent to be available for them at any hour. Agencies are expected to continually invest in training their staff and have the latest in technology to provide their passengers with an efficient booking process and account management. Compare the cost of the professional service fee charged to the cost of the transaction and the hours spent of the reservation, it is unreasonable then, for a customer to expect interest free credit facilities for them.