AFTA UPDATE

from the Australian Federation of Travel Agents

THIS week, AFTA is delighted to welcome to the helm new Chief Executive Officer Darren Rudd.

Darren’s background lies in management and stakeholder relations but he began his career in the travel industry, building and operating hotel management information systems.

We are pleased to welcome him back to the travel industry and at a time when his expertise is needed most!

Darren joins AFTA committed to working with members, the Board and industry stakeholders as together we work our way through the current economic challenges.

A key focus of AFTA continues to be that governments and regulators understand that unique position that our members are in and the critical role travel agents play in the travel supply chain.

Every ATAS travel agency, be they in-store or online is critical to the recovery of our sector.

It’s only day two on the job, and already Darren has taken to the streets, meeting with some of our members in the Blacktown area, and bringing along the local member Michelle Rowland (ALP).

This visit is the first of many in various electorates, and forms part of AFTA’s grassroots activation strategy, providing the new AFTA CEO with the opportunity to meet and listen, and learn, directly with AFTA members. Darren looks forward to meeting with members and key industry partners in due course. In the interim the AFTA team continue to be at the disposal of members. AFTA travel agent members are invited to join AFTA’s Weekly Update this Friday to meet Darren Rudd - to register for attendance CLICK HERE.

For those that would like to know Darren a little bit more, here’s a few of his favourite things…

Favourite holiday destination in Australia? Depends on the time of year and my mood! Overseas? All of Europe but in particular London and the Greek Islands.

Favourite cuisine? All types of

cuisines (I’m a big foodie). Movie genre? I enjoy history/spy

thrillers (i.e., John le Carre). Coffee or Tea? Flat white until 3pm, Green or Peppermint Tea in the afternoon.

Do you follow any sports? Rugby

League, AFL and Tennis.

What do you like to do to unwind?

I enjoy reading and heading to ‘the farm’ – a property that I own with my brother in the Upper Hunter.

Favourite social beverage? For celebrations I enjoy Ruinart Champagne from a Champagne house in Reims, France. For a casual beer with friends I’d choose a beer like a pale ale.