AFTA membership renewals climb, as calls for more govt support continue

Group of arrows, orange one is the first place, can be used leadership/individuality concepts. ( 3d render )
By Travel Weekly


The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has continued to praise the strong endorsement from members, with more than 80 per cent now having renewed.

This number is up from 70 per cent last month, with more still submitting their membership renewals, according to AFTA.

“Given the devastating reality of the impact of COVID on so many businesses, this is quite a remarkable outcome,” the federation said in a statement.

“Through the ongoing support of our members, AFTA can continue to lobby daily on behalf of travel agents throughout Australia to secure support from the government.

“AFTA is confident these agents will re-emerge early 2022 with the vaccination hurdles reached and travel reopening.”

The industry body has been pushing hard for more government support in recent weeks, with chair Tom Manwaring pleading for the return of JobKeeper and a widening of support beyond NSW and Victoria.

Manwaring is also urging the government to speed up the rollout of the government’s COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program.

“We are very grateful for the federal government’s COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, which has seen $258 million in support for Australian travel and tourism businesses, including travel agents,” he said.

“But we need the support from rounds one and two of the grants program to flow more quickly to those eligible agents and, given the ongoing pause in outbound travel, we need this support extended and supplemented urgently across the entire travel sector.

“We were the first hit and will be the last to recover with that only possible after international travel resumes.”

Featured image source: iStock/Eoneren

Latest News

  • Attractions
  • News

Inspirational Australians lead events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors

Innovators, educators, musicians, healthcare professionals, elite athletes and environmental advocates are among 80 inspirational Australians who will take part in events across NSW as Australia Day Ambassadors on 26 January 2025. These outstanding citizens and local heroes are handpicked each year by the Australia Day Council of NSW for their exceptional contributions to the community […]

  • Cruise

Royal Caribbean’s latest summer getaway deals with up to 60 per cent off

Royal Caribbean has announced its latest itineraries for short summer getaways aboard Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas with various savings. Prices for these cruises start from $659 per person for a balcony stateroom. Travellers can enjoy up to 60 per cent off second guests, with up to $850 in instant savings and kids’ sailings from […]

  • Luxury
  • News
  • Tour Operators

APT reveals rebrand for Luxury Travel arm with new look and new monogram

APT Travel Group, Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, has unveiled a transformative rebrand for APT Luxury Travel, introducing a new era with a fresh, contemporary new look. At the heart of the rebrand is a newly designed luxury monogram, replacing the company’s old logo. APT said the elegant, bespoke symbol represents the legacy […]

  • Events

Brand USA Trade Expo returns to Auckland and Wellington

Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for the US, has announced the return of its New Zealand Trade Expos in partnership with Air New Zealand and United Airlines. Registrations are now open and are free for travel agents. Last year’s event sold out quickly, so agents are encouraged to register early to secure their place […]