AFTA draws up reform pathway
Magellan chief executive Andrew Macfarlane and Phil Hoffmann Travel owner, Phil Hoffmann, are among a seven strong committee charged with shaping the future of the travel industry.
They will join Travelscene American Express chief executive Mike Thompson, Jetset Travelworld senior executive Elizabeth Gaines, American Express Business Travel general manager and Australia vice president Trena Blair, Flight Centre secretary David Smith and AFTA chief executive Jayson Westbury on the Travel Industry Transition Plan Working Group (TITPWG).
A separate committee of suppliers from the cruise, airline and wholesale sectors will also be formed, known, rather snappily, as the Travel Industry Transition Plan Working Group Supplier Consultative Committee (TITPWGGSCC).
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO), CLIA Australasia, International Air Transport Association and Australian Tourism Export Council will also be approached.
Westbury said the committee's will "set the course" for reform, including the development of an accreditation scheme.
"The AFTA board is determined to ensure that we get a new scheme that is fit for purpose and delivers value for travel agents across Australia," he said.
The first task will be to work through the financial requirements needed to develop the accreditation scheme "and other aspects necessary for the future of the Australian travel agent".
Westbury stressed the TITPWG will "of course call on others in the industry to contribute in a range of ways".
He said: "We will also be working with the suppliers across the travel industry to ensure that they are part of the new scheme and understand the values being built into the scheme.
"That is why the TITPWGGSCC will be a very important part of the process going forward."
"Many suppliers have already expressed interest in being a part of this group and we will confirm the specific details in the New Year.
"This process of working groups will allow the industry to come together to form a really important new scheme that I hope everyone will be a part of.
"It is critical that we get this right and over the coming six or so months I am sure that together the travel industry can create something that works for everyone."
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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