Warning on using unlicensed travel agents

[NM]

From news.com.au:

HOLIDAY-MAKERS are being urged to use licensed travel agents when booking holidays to avoid losing money if the agent goes belly-up under the weight of the global financial crisis.

The Travel Compensation Fund says booking with a licensed agent is “more important than ever'”as more businesses struggle in the tough economic climate.

 

[JohnK]

I don't know how easy it is to tell if a travel agent is licensed or not but surely people are using reputable agents that have been around for a while and have not opened up shop in the last few days.

While we are on the subject what does it take to get a travel agents license as I was thinking of doing something part time. Yes I know I can google it but personal experience would be more helpful....

 

[brissyflyer]

I don't know how easy it is to tell if a travel agent is licensed or not but surely people are using reputable agents that have been around for a while and have not opened up shop in the last few days.

While we are on the subject what does it take to get a travel agents license as I was thinking of doing something part time. Yes I know I can google it but personal experience would be more helpful....

I've actually looked at this myself and its not cheap. License fees themselves aren't much but you need travel compensation fund membership which is about 9k upfront!