The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has announced the resignation of chief executive officer Jayson Westbury.
Westbury’s resignation is effective immediately and follows his recent comments directed at A Current Affair’s Tracy Grimshaw and the program’s coverage of the travel industry’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
While Westbury stressed that his comments should not be taken literally and has apologised publicly and to Grimshaw, AFTA said he has also acknowledged that the comments were inappropriate and unacceptable in any circumstances, as well as being at odds with the views of the peak industry body and its member companies and agencies.
“His choice of words cannot be condoned. His work history stands in good stead for the service he has provided the travel industry and AFTA’s members,” said AFTA chairman Tom Manwaring.
AFTA’s board unanimously agreed to accept Westbury’s resignation and has appointed Courtney Duddleston as acting general manager of operations while a recruitment process is put in place for a replacement CEO.
