2008-07-14 - The International Air Transport Association is constantly reviewing and enhancing its IATA/IATAN Travel Agent ID Card programme, making it even more attractive and valuable to its travel professional community. Among further improvements to follow, a major initiative will be launched this month.

IATA has learnt that integrity is an important element in our programme, not only from a supplier point of view but also by travel professionals themselves. Speaking with industry suppliers and the travel professional there is widespread concern that people leaving the industry are still benefitting from privileges they are no longer entitled to, as they often do not return the card to the agency owner/manager.
Although the Card has two security elements, with more being designed, and free online validation at checkacode.com, it was still the consensus that offering a two year-card increased the likelihood of misuse and fraud. Consequently all new and renewed cards will only be offered for a one-year period.

We are working hard to increase efficiency, adding global services to ensure that the bona fide travel professional is recognised. Through its global presence, IATA is actively engaging its staff to reach out to all suppliers to honour its card. This initiative has resulted in over 600 suppliers offering educational trips and incentives to travel professionals who hold the IATA/IATAN Travel Agent ID Card.
These offers can be viewed on AgentExperience.com. The site lists upcoming familiarization trips, incentives, discounts and privileges. AgentExperience was created to empower travel professionals to gain first hand experience of products offered so they can share their experience with their customers - the travelling public.