Building on its ongoing investments in shaping policy development to benefit member businesses, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has today appointed a new director of public policy and advocacy, Ingrid Fraser.
Fraser brings extensive expertise in policy development, advocacy, government relations and stakeholder engagement at all levels of government.
Frasers’s appointment aligns with AFTA’s focus on supporting travel businesses and the wider sector in rebuilding the workforce post-pandemic.
In her previous role as associate director – workforce & tourism policy at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Ingrid’s portfolio covered tourism, migration, employment, and workforce participation.
“I worked closely with the AFTA team in my most recent role at the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and I am looking forward to being part of AFTA’s ongoing work to ensure the Travel Sector’s success,” Fraser said.
AFTA’s work in positively shaping the landscape for the benefit of the entire travel sector has been impressive and there’s a very real opportunity to continue to advance understanding of the value of Travel within Government.”
Her multi-discipline background also includes her experience as a lawyer as well as in industry associations.
Fraser skills will complement and expand the existing strong track record on government relations at AFTA to deliver better policy outcomes for members.
AFTA’s CEO Dean Long recognised Fraser’s appointment as a positive move for the federation’s goal to bat for travel agents.
“AFTA successfully lobbied the last NSW Government to reconsider unworkable changes to Terms and Conditions which would have broken the business model for every Travel Agent, Travel Business, and Tour Operator and left consumers stranded,” Long said.
“But there’s still much to be done at a State and Territory level including securing funding to support the benefit of the Federal Government adding “travel consultants” to the Skills Priority List.
“Ingrid’s appointment will strengthen the industry’s ability to engage with Governments around Australia.
“On behalf of our members I warmly welcome Ingrid to the AFTA team.”
Featured Image: (L-R) Long and Fraser
