Australia deregulated travel agents in 2014. What that means for a new agency today, the voluntary ATAS accreditation, and the business and tax registrations you still need.
1. The travel market in Australia
Most new agencies in Australia focus on outbound holidays & touring. Decide early whether you will sell to travellers in Australia, design trips in Australia for visitors and foreign agents, or both: the answer shapes your licence, suppliers and marketing.
Clients will expect quotations in AUD or their own currency, fast replies, and clear terms before they pay.
2. Licences and registration
Australian travel agents no longer need a state licence. Under the national Travel Industry Transition Plan, state licensing and compulsory membership of the Travel Compensation Fund ended from 1 July 2014, and the fund was wound up.
Since then, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has run the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS), a voluntary, industry-led accreditation based on professional standards. Many agencies join it to show travellers they meet those standards.
3. Client money, trust and obligations
Without a compensation fund, protect client money yourself: clear payment terms, supplier payment timing, and appropriate insurance. Australian Consumer Law applies to travel services.
4. Company, tax and banking
Get an ABN, register a business name if you trade under one, and register for GST with the ATO if you meet the threshold.
5. Set up sales and operations
Before the first enquiry arrives, decide how you will capture leads, build quotations, confirm suppliers, invoice and collect payments. For your market, plan these workflows from day one:
6. Launch checklist
Tick these off before you take your first payment in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do travel agents need a licence in Australia?
No. State licensing ended from 1 July 2014. Accreditation through AFTA's ATAS scheme is voluntary.
What happened to the Travel Compensation Fund?
It was wound up as part of the deregulation that took effect from 1 July 2014.
Sources
Official pages this guide is based on, checked on 11 October 2026. Rules and fees change: confirm the current requirements with the authority before you apply. This guide is general information, not legal advice.