The Australian Federation of Travel Agents is keeping the pressure on in Canberra with eight Directors in Canberra for this week’s Federal Budget sittings.The Directors are volunteering their time to spend several days in Canberra lobbying and briefing stakeholders across the political spectrum and participating in all key events plus holding a series of strategy sessions.
In addition to Chair Tom Manwaring, Vice Chairs Christian Hunter and Graham Turner, David Smith, Laura Ruffles, David Greenland, David Padman and Jo Sully will be briefing stakeholders across the political spectrum, and participating in all key events and a series of strategy sessions.
Comments from AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring:
“AFTA’s lobbying continues to be on two levels. There’s our immediate focus on the grants support and the push for it to be extended. Plus there’s the longer term push for ongoing government support separate to the grants program until international travel resumes and the need for a pathway plan for international travel around borders and travel bubbles.”
“We also want greater recognition of the value of the travel agency distribution model and our service to the Australian community.”
“As well as briefing a number of Government and Opposition offices, AFTA is also working on a wider industry strategy with other key bodies including the Business Council of Australia, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Airports Association, Minerals Council, Association of Australian Convention Bureaux as well as several Embassy and Diplomatic staff.”
“Do we expect to see any headline items in the Budget for travel agents and businesses? It’s unlikely. But we continue to be buoyed by the positive response from Government, ALP and the key independents who all acknowledge the identification of the travel sector for continued consideration.”
