Media Release: TQUAL ceases to operate as of 30th June 2014
We have been advised that TQUAL will cease to operate as of COB 30th June 2014. The Government has advised that the tender process failed to produce an industry body considered suitable to deliver the program and as such it will cease immediately.
As they have advised us one hour before it comes into effect it is completely unreasonable for tour operators to enact any of their required actions, especially during a busy school holiday period. We advise you to just be aware at this stage whilst we work with the government to determine the future. This has been poorly handled where the Government has encouraged tour operators and certification organisations to invest in the TQUAL program for it all to be withdrawn with an hour’s notice.
Australia is now left with a void where tourism certification programs no longer have an agreed standard to assess their programs. Fortunately Ecotourism Australia has maintained its recognition by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for our Eco-certification program that provides genuine reassurance for Eco-certified operators and customers who choose to travel with quality operators.
We will provide further advice shortly.
Download the advice from Austrade here: Wind-Up-Fact-Sheet.pdf