AFTA celebrates as government adds travel consultants to skills priority list

AFTA celebrates as government adds travel consultants to skills priority list

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has succeeded in having ‘Travel Consultants’ added to the Federal Government Skills Priority List.

This means that employer incentive support under the apprenticeship program will now cover traineeships in Certificate III Travel all the way through to the advanced diploma of tourism and travel management.

AFTA’s National Taskforce for Skills and Careers has been actively lobbying for the changes given the chronic workforce shortages holding back full recovery of the sector.

The Taskforce has developed significant policy documents and met with the minister for immigration and minister for skills last year to ensure the needs of travel agents were understood by the responsible ministers.

“We have been working very closely with the minister for skills and training, the Hon. Brendan O’Connor, the minister for trade and tourism, Senator the Hon. Don Farrell and the minister for immigration, the Hon Andrew Giles and the relevant departments and very much appreciate their support in getting the important role of travel professionals acknowledged,” AFTA CEO Dean Long said.

“We look forward to continuing to drive change on behalf of our members and Travel given the ongoing massive challenge faced across the board as a result of the chronic workforce and skills shortages.

“Many of our National Taskforce Members who have helped us achieve this win have already highlighted the importance of ensuring alignment across the country for funding and this will be firmly in our sights.”

AFTA will also be writing to State and Territory leaders to ensure these courses have funding allocated as travel agents seek to rebuild the workforce.

The updated list is available here.

The guidelines are available here.


Featured Image: Travel Agent handing over ticket (iStock/ronstik)

Latest News

  • Conferences

Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau

The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]

  • Destinations

Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents

World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]

  • Cruise

Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25

Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]

  • Cruise

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]