The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) is continuing its direct lobbying of government for further support for the industry.
AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring:
“Our sector is at crisis point,” says AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring.
“AFTA continues to have frank conversations with Government on the urgent need for support, be it in the form of an extension of the Grants program or the national implementation of the Federal/State Government support in place in NSW for our entire sector. There must be an urgent review of the Government’s 80% guarantee Bank loans scheme which is moribund with restrictions and red tape.
“The travel sector has been in hard lockdown since March 2020 and we urgently need support to keep our doors open and to retain the expertise, experience and skills in our teams to keep supporting our customers and clients. As our travel options increase, so too is the need for our expertise. And let’s not ignore the estimated $2 Billion in outstanding credits and refunds for COVID-impacted travel still to be recovered from airlines, cruise lines, hotels and tour operators by travel agents on behalf of consumers”
“It’s fantastic that we are continuing to move to a more “normal” existence. However, our sector will not magically recover the moment international travel becomes possible or let alone even affordable. Without support into either the first half of 2022 or until international travel normalises, the future for our sector and the 25,000 who still work in it is looking pretty grim. We’ve lost about a third of our sector as a result of the devastating economic impact of COVID. That’s expertise Australian consumers and businesses can ill-afford to lose especially given we will need travel agents more than ever to navigate travel in COVID times.
“We have a National Roadmap to Recovery in place and we need all States and Territories to stick to the agreed position. We need more Australians vaccinated more quickly so that we reach those magic thresholds.
“The AFTA Board and team would also like to thank the many members who have taken time to provide such positive feedback and compliments on our successes, impact and support. Each and every one of the messages and calls is very much appreciated.”
