AFTA UPDATE

FOR a year that has been full of a varied array of challenges and trouble, it is so sad we find ourselves at the end of 2019 with the tragedy on Whakaari/While Island in New Zealand and the devastating fires that have swept across NSW.

On the situation in New Zealand, the travel industry has had a great deal of connection in so many ways, given the number of Australians on the cruise ship in the area and the dreadful loss of life due to the incident.

By all accounts, both the Australian and New Zealand governments have done a profound task in managing this situation, something that is never easy.

For all those in the travel industry who have had clients impacted or involved, you also have done a tremendous job in providing the assistance necessary in what is an unbelievable circumstance thank you.

Our prayers go out to all the family and friends of those who have lost lives in the incident.

As for the fires, those who are in Sydney will still be feeling the weight of how the last few weeks have been with the heavy smoke that has hung over the city and suburbs, which brings to everyone’s front door the gravity of just how bad these fires are.

Joint efforts of the state and federal governments appear to be helping, but there is no easy fix for this crisis which comes just ahead of Christmas.

For those in the travel industry who have been caught up in these fires directly, we are all thinking of you and there are many ways support can be offered: search “support for NSW fires” and I am sure you will find a way to help.

On a final note, I would like to wish all the readers of this column a very happy holiday season and the best of good fortune and luck for the year ahead in 2020.

I will be signing off myself for a few weeks and will return mid-Jan ready to tackle the many issues ahead for travel agents, the industry and all the stakeholders across this great Australian Travel Industry - merry Christmas to all.