Improved Integrity of Canadian ID Card Programme
2008-07-15 - The International Air transport Association is taking initiatives to increase the level of Integrity of its IATA/IATAN ID Card Programme in Canada.
IATA is working proactively to increase the integrity and efficiency of the globally accepted card, and to ensure that the industry stops wasting money, time and energy on people claiming illegitimate recognition.
A new Cardholder Agreement, clarifying the conditions of audits/verification, was sent to each Canadian IATA/IATAN ID Cardholders. Because of the changing industry, IATA needs to ensure only Travel Professionals have a card. By conducting random verifications and requesting documents such as T4 forms, pay slips, disbursement records and payroll registers, IATA will obtain the guarantee cardholders are de facto meeting the requirements.
As well, effective immediately, the two-year option is abandoned, leaving the IATA/IATAN ID Card Programme with a validity period of one year only. Accordingly, the Cardholder’s information will be verified on a yearly basis.
This mandate was given by Travel Professionals frustrated by individuals abusing their program and Suppliers who cannot afford to lose revenue through undeserved industry concessions.
At the same time, IATA will continue to improve the services attached to the ID Card Programme:
- AgentExperience, IATA’s private website allowing IATA/IATAN ID Cardholders to view special offers from travel and tourism suppliers around the world, is now proposing over 900 trips and incentives to Travel Professionals who hold an IATA / IATAN Travel Agent ID Card.
- CheckACode, a website providing instant validation of IATA / IATAN ID cards.