Why electoral visits?
AFTA is committed to working with government in a collaborative and constructive way to get the policy and regulatory settings right because not only will that help the travel sector but in time will contribute substantially to the nation's overall economic wellbeing.
To be effective, and to make an impact, AFTA needs to have both a "top-down" and "bottom-up" approach, and this is why we are embarking on a community-based strategy which aims to amplify the often forgotten voice of the travel agent.
We have an ambitious plan to visit every single electorate in Australia where it is safe to do so, and bring together local ATAS accredited travel agencies and their MPs.
AFTA CEO Darren Rudd, would like to meet as many members as possible, with their MP, in order to understand what your concerns are and how we can all work together to get through this.
It is also about making sure that politicians understand the value and role that travel agents play in the travel supply chain and their broader community.
The impact of this approach was evidenced after the recent visit to the electorate of Berowra. After hearing the challenges of the local travel agents, local MP Julian Lesser called the Prime Minister. He followed this up with a letter to the Treasurer and the Tourism Minister.
Throughout August AFTA visited the electorates of Kingsford Smith, Warringah, North Sydney and Blaxland, bringing together AFTA travel agent members and their local MP.
We'd like to thank the following agents for their support, commitment and contribution: Spencer Travel, Anywhere Travel, Déjá vu Travel, Mary Rossi Travel, Helloworld Travel Lane Cove, Travel Associates Blues Point, World Corporate Travel, Timeless Tours & Travel, Allied Travel and Helloworld Travel Bankstown.
Our grass roots campaign continues in September, and we look forward to meeting with you and your local MP. Your voice matters!
North Shore MP. Trent Zimmerman
Mary Rossi Travel | Helloworld Travel Lane Cove
Dave Sharma MP. visits Wentworth Travel Agents
Wentworth Travel
Matt Thistlethwaite MP. hears from local agents
Spencer Travel | Déjà Vu Travel | Anywhere Travel
Read Media release
Zali Steggal hears from local travel agents
Mosman Travel | Adventure Specialists
How Tasmanian travel agents are pivoting to survive shutdown
Burnie and Smithton Travelcentre
In June, AFTA visited 5 local government electorates (Greenway, North Sydney, Berowra, McMahon and Wentworth) and engaged with 16 ATAS accredited travel agencies giving Agents the opportunity to voice their frustrations, concerns, expertise and ideas.
Member for Berowra hears from Beecroft travel business
Ross Garden Tours
Hills district travel agents welcome Local MP and Jobkeeper extension
Cherrybrook Travel | Addicted to Australia
Member for Berowra meets with Hornsby travel agent
Travel Africa
AFTA CEO and Federal Member for Berowra meets with Hills District travel agents
The Impulse Travel Group
Local travel agents doing it tough welcome Federal MP
Travel Plans International
Read media release >