AFTA says the travel industry needs to unite with ‘a single voice’ to maximise the potential for ongoing government support of the industry, and has produced a number of detailed submissions to Treasury in partnership with KPMG as part of this ongoing lobbying. A final paper formally putting the travel industry’s case for a JobKeeper extension is expected to be lodged next Tuesday.
The grass roots email campaign from tour operators and agents targeting local Parliamentarians threatens to derail AFTA’s hard work at a critical time.
Agents are being asked to channel their energy to the AFTA sentiment survey – HERE, which will provide further reinforcement of AFTA’s case to government of the need for additional support including the extension of the eligibility of JobKeeper.
“We are fighting on multiple fronts and we want to make sure that our message does not get diluted or confused. Writing a letter to your MP might make you feel good but it may in fact be counter-productive to AFTA’s efforts and may not assist with the process at this late stage,” said Tom Manwaring, Chair of AFTA.
AFTA has been working closely with Government since the start of the pandemic to:
- Highlight the economic hit travel agents have taken, the problems agents are facing and the unique situation agents are in
- Reinforce the critical importance of travel agents to the tourism sector and the Australian economy
- Push for Government support including financial assistance
