TAANZ Urges New Zealanders To Book With Trusted, TAANZ-Accredited Travel Experts

As Fraud Awareness Week gets underway, the Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) is reminding Kiwi travellers to stay vigilant when booking holidays — and to always look for the TAANZ-Accredited Travel Tick.

With online booking scams, fake accommodation listings, AI-generated misinformation and payment fraud on the rise, TAANZ warns that travellers are increasingly exposed to risks that can turn a dream holiday into a costly nightmare.

Booking with a New Zealand-based entity also provides stronger consumer protection for Kiwi travellers, with clearer legal pathways for resolving disputes and the oversight that comes with TAANZ accreditation.

TAANZ CEO Julie White says online booking fraud is becoming more sophisticated. Recent incidents — including cases where travellers arrive overseas to find their accommodation does not exist, like the scenario depicted in White Lotus Thailand, and reports of families losing hundreds of thousands of dollars due to fraudulent “discount airfare” schemes — highlight the need for extra caution. A recent report revealed dozens of Chinese families were targeted through airfare fraud, resulting in over $440,000 missing from travel payments.

“AI-generated travel advice also poses new challenges.” While helpful for inspiration, AI tools can produce outdated, fabricated or incomplete travel information — and crucially, AI cannot help you at midnight when a cancellation, weather event or airline disruption requires immediate rebooking. Travellers need a human advocate who can respond, escalate and resolve issues in real time.

New Zealanders can avoid many fraud risks simply by booking with a TAANZ-Accredited Travel Agent or Travel Advisor.

“Travel fraud is real, costly and more sophisticated than ever. TAANZ members operate under strict financial, ethical and professional standards. Booking with a New Zealand-based accredited advisor means your money stays protected under local laws and robust industry safeguards.”

TAANZ highlights the below risks travellers face:

· Booking scams – fake websites and operators offering impossibly low prices or non-existent deals

· Accommodation fraud – including fake listings where travellers arrive to find no such property exists

· Payment fraud and airline ticket scams – including false “consolidator deals” and unlicensed agents taking money for tickets never issued

· AI pitfalls – inaccurate recommendations, incomplete visa or entry advice, and no real-time support when travel goes wrong

TAANZ’s advice to keep Kiwis safe:

· Book with a TAANZ-Accredited Travel Agent or Travel Advisor.

· Look for the TAANZ Travel Tick as your symbol of trust.

· Choose a New Zealand-based entity for stronger consumer protection.

· Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

· Avoid paying by direct bank transfer unless to a verified TAANZ member.

· Check reviews across multiple sources.

· Be wary of unverified operators on social media or messaging apps.

Fraud Awareness Week provides an important reminder: trusted travel advice matters more than ever.

About TAANZ

The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) is the trusted voice of New Zealand’s travel agent industry. Representing travel agents and travel advisors nationwide, TAANZ sets professional standards, provides consumer protection through its bonding and accreditation scheme, and advocates for a strong, sustainable travel sector.

When you book with a TAANZ-Accredited Travel Agent, you’re booking with confidence — knowing your funds are protected and your travel arrangements are backed by experience, integrity, and accountability.

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