AUSTRALIA: Webjet Hits At AFTA Over TV Ad Criticism

Online travel agency Webjet has responded to recent criticism by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents accusing the trade group of bias and 'serious double standards.'

AFTA complained to regulators about Webjet's TV ads which it claimed were misleading, suggesting Webjet had access to more fares and travel services than travel agents.

"There are some serious double standards being applied by the Australian Travel Agency community. AFTA's position on our current television commercial is just another one of many examples of prejudice against us and the online travel agency community," said Webjet managing director John Guscic.

"Unfortunately their definition of travel agent only seems to include those of the bricks and mortar variety. This is demonstrated repeatedly by the marketing on their website and their TV advertising. There is significant bias at play."

AFTA chief executive Jayson Westbury said the complaint to the ACCC was not simply about criticising the business model of online travel agencies.

"It is not our intention to denigrate online travel agencies because we have more than 20 online travel agency members and our statements refer to people trying to book with suppliers directly," he said.