The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has appointed a new chief executive, a man whose name was familiar at AFTA for several years.
Dean Long, currently chief executive of the Accommodation Association of Australia, will relinquish his position with that organisation to take the top role at the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) “no later than mid-October”.
A few years back, when Jayson Westbury was AFTA chief executive, Long served for several years as AFTA’s national manager – strategy and policy.
Long joins AFTA from two years as chief executive and executive director of the Accommodation Association. At AFTA he will succeed Darren Rudd, who stepped down for personal reasons in April this year. Since then, AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring has served as interim executive Chair of AFTA.
In another AFTA move this week, Katrina Barry, managing director of The Travel Corporation’s Contiki and Trafalgar brands, has become a new director on the AFTA board.
Long brings to his new role extensive government relations, stakeholder engagement, policy development, media and campaign expertise, as well as AFTA and sector-specific knowledge from several of his past positions.
His track record of achievement, strategic impact and policy outcomes in travel, tourism, financial services, insurance and property development derives from roles with American Express, AFTA, the NSW Minister for Tourism, and Tourism NSW.
Long’s academic qualifications include a Master of Business in Management and a Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Environmental Management and Tourism).
AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring said the federation “couldn’t have asked for a better choice than Dean Long, given his background across key sectors, his extensive experience within AFTA, and his expertise and networks across government at all levels.
“He is strategic, informed and proven in his ability to lead and strengthen member-based organisations during challenging times.”
Manwaring said Long “well and truly knows our sector and the needs of AFTA’s members as we work together to navigate the current frustrations, secure and optimise Government support and continue to reinforce the value of travel agents and businesses at an economic, employment and consumer support level.
Dean Long, AFTA’s new chief executive
“He has a well-deserved reputation of collaboration to maximise impact and outcomes and that’s exactly what we need now and into the future.”
Long said he was “incredibly proud to take on the role of AFTA CEO and to work with the AFTA Board and team to shape our sector’s future and to help as many member businesses as possible get through these difficult times to emerge successfully on the other side.
“I look forward to working with members on evolving our sector and structures at an organisational and agency level, so we are better able to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing marketplace.
“AFTA will need to continue to work closely with other key peak industry bodies including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Business Council of Australia and the Tourism Transport Forum as well as with industry-relevant associations such as IATA, WTAAA and BARA. I also look forward to continuing AFTA’s strategic collaborations with CATO and CLIA.
“There’s a lot of work to be done but AFTA has a great Board, a highly-committed and skilful team and a membership of passionate, skilled and essential businesses. I can’t wait to get started on this next phase of AFTA and our sector’s evolution in collaboration with members and with all of AFTA’s key relationships.”
Accommodation Association Chair Julian Clark thanked Long for his “strong and strategic leadership”, which Clark said had come to the fore “especially during the unprecedented and extraordinarily difficult challenges that Covid has thrown at accommodation providers since March 2020.
“In our industry’s time of greatest need it has been fantastic to have Dean at the helm steering the ship and liaising with government on an ongoing basis.
“Dean has been tireless in his role and his support of the sector and Accommodation Association members. He also leaves a strong legacy in terms of a much-strengthened team. We thank him for his contribution and know that he will always be a champion of Australia’s accommodation sector.”
Edited by Peter Needham
