AFTA urges health check

THE Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has issued advice to its members on how to deal with business downturn due to COVID-19, urging them to discuss the situation with their accountant “to spot any potential problems before they arise”.

Agents should review their business plans, revenue targets, expenses and potentially talk to bankers to “delay payments or have fees waived during the short-term,” the advice notes.

Where businesses have staff as one of their largest costs, members should “consider what adjustments your business can make to accommodate the current workflow”, such as getting staff to take leave, temporarily reduce their working days or even offering short-term, unpaid sabbaticals with a guaranteed return to work later.

On the marketing side, “it is important to communicate to your clients and potential clients that you’re open for business”, while also considering delaying any marketing plans which will incur a sizeable expense.

Agents are encouraged to use the ATAS logo, with 85% of travellers more likely to book with an ATAS accredited travel agent over a non-accredited business.

Importantly, business owners are also urged to “consider and prepare a plan for recovery.

“When COVID-19 ends how will you reach and entice consumers to book their next trip through you?”, the update considers.

AFTA has also taken the opportunity to remind ATAS participants that they must advise the ATAS Compliance Manager of any change of details within seven days of the change occurring, where it may affect the participant’s accreditation.