New government delivering change: AFTA
The benefits of the recent change in government are already being seen with 2014 on track to be a “big year” for the travel industry, according to Australian Federation of Travel Agents chief executive Jayson Westbury.
Speaking to delegates at the Independent Travel Group Business Forum in Hong Kong at the weekend, Westbury spoke of a dramatic shift in momentum, with the travel industry in particular already seeing the benefits of change.
“For the last six years, this country has been on its knees,” he told delegates. “We can already see how a majority government can bring confidence back, and what confidence does is bring bookings to you.”
He identified the launch of a new Smartraveller campaign to be launched by the government this week as a clear sign of its commitment to working with the travel industry, by encouraging travellers to ensure they are protected when they go on holiday.
“They want to support what we’re doing,” he said. “Smartraveller is an awesome thing for the travel industry to have.”
He urged the ITG agents to use the Smartraveller website as a resource and to encourage their customers to register for the service.
Meanwhile, he underlined the importance of AFTA for the industry, highlighting the time and effort spent lobbying the government on behalf of agents.
“As an industry, we’re very fortunate to have an organisation like AFTA because there are many industries that don’t have as collaborative approach to government as we do,” he said. “You’d be surprised at how many doors that little AFTA logo can open.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
afta agents government itg jayson westbury smartravellerLatest News
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