AFTA scales back operations due to COVID-19.
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) to take the unprecedented step of reducing its operating hours.
Effective from 01 September 2020 AFTA will only operate Monday to Wednesday each week from 9am to 5pm, with CEO Darren Rudd saying “this decision, while tough, is the right one”.
“AFTA’s focus right from when the pandemic hit has been on supporting members and helping them navigate through these unprecedented and challenging times,” he said, with the Federation removing membership fees, changing the annual ATAS renewal period and producing an extensive range of dedicated resources to support members, as well as extensive political lobbying.
“The economic reality however means that we have had to take this difficult decision to reduce our hours of operation to three days a week. During this time of reduced operations we ask for members’ patience as we navigate the high volume of member queries,” Rudd said.
“The AFTA Board of Directors and the entire operational team remain committed to supporting members get through COVID and delivering initiatives that support the recovery of the travel and tourism sector,” he added.
At this stage it is anticipated that the measures will need to be in place until the end of the year.
More information in today’s issue of Travel Daily.