Accommodation Association CEO Dean Long resigns to take up new role at AFTA.
Dean Long has this morning been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents.
Long is well acquainted with the travel sector, having previously worked at AFTA for five years from 2014 until 2019, as the Federation’s National Manager – Strategy & Policy.
He then became head of the Accommodation Association, which is now in the process of merging with the Australian Hotel Association. Long announced his resignation from the Accommodation Association this morning, noting a three month notice period which would see him departing in October “or earlier by mutual agreement”.
AFTA Chairman Tom Manwaring welcomed the appointment. “We 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,” Manwaring said.
“He 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 at an economic, employment and consumer support level,” he added.
Long said he looked forward to working with AFTA 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”.
More details in today’s issue of Travel Daily.