The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) is asking all members to complete its ‘Travelsectorkeeper’ survey, as it continues to push for ongoing, tailored support from the federal government.
AFTA chief executive Darren Rudd is again in Canberra this week for ongoing meetings and briefings with key political and departmental stakeholders.
The AFTA survey builds on the 2020 survey and will be used to provide an objective measure of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the sector in the association’s pre-Budget submission, and ministerial and departmental briefings.
AFTA also plans to use the survey findings at a local political and media level.
“With JobKeeper set to end on 28 March 2021, we understand that now is a critical time for travel agents, tour operators and wholesalers,” Rudd said.
“JobKeeper has been central to helping businesses keep the doors open and support customers with cancellations, refunds and credits, and we need Travelsectorkeeper moving forward.
“We have been working closely with the federal government and have made known just how vital ongoing financial support is for your business until international travel resumes.
“Completing this confidential, short survey will further strengthen our case in fighting for the survival of your business, and I encourage all members to do so.”
To complete the confidential survey, click here.
AFTA is also calling for members to ensure they have completed the Tourism Australia Aussie Specialist Program.
Only agents who complete the program will be featured on the Tourism Australia website as part of the ‘Holiday Here This Year’ marketing campaign.
Once they have completed the Aussie Specialist Program, agents will be included in the Australia.com ‘find a travel agent near you’ link, which clients can then use to book.
At the onset of COVID-19, Tourism Australia updated the program for Aussie agents so their businesses could benefit as much as possible from domestic bookings, in addition to modifying its messaging to include a call to action for agents.
Since then, more than 2,000 Australian agents have completed the program, adding to the 27,000 agents globally who are part of the push to sell Australia. Furthermore, Tourism Australia’s Holiday Here This Year campaign has reached over 20 million people to date.
“We are thankful for the work Tourism Australia has done to support our sector, Rudd said.
“I encourage members to take full advantage of the opportunity to be a part of the Aussie Specialist Program, as now more than ever we know every booking counts.”
Featured image source: iStock/AndreyPopov
