Industry reacts to paper
THE discussion paper published in Travel Daily earlier this week (TD 15 Jul) continues to provoke responses, with thousands of engagements on social media and scores of readers sending in their own comments.
Opinions are divided on the proposal for an “Agent of Last Resort,” but clearly the call to face the COVID-19 reality has resonated widely, whether or not respondents agree that the industry as a whole is doomed.
Martin Fallows from Mosman Cruise Centre in Sydney thanked the writer, saying he is “hibernating” his agency, “cutting every cost to keep our bookings alive in hope of a future for our business”.
Chris McIlroy from Travel Inspirations in Cranbourne, Vic urged AFTA to stay focused on its current priorities including the extension of JobKeeper, IATA financial criteria, ACCC and terms & conditions, mental health and general support of agents.
Neil Wood from Traveltoo in North Sydney was outspoken in his response, saying “while the writer of the open letter may be putting up the white flag, I’m definitely not!”
“I’ve been in the travel industry for 55 years and I’m not letting some virus beat me,” he fumed.
Michael O’Leary from italktravel & cruise Castle Hill said having closed down several agencies and wholesalers over the years he can relate to the situation as some long-standing operators find themselves staring into the abyss.
However he notes while Qantas has decided not to fly, other airlines are stepping up, and with typical lead times in retail leisure, even if the Government announces a restart in say Mar 2021 “then we know those customers who wish to travel will book from Sep this year”.
Kathy Granger from Burnie & Smithton Travelcentres in WA said “clearly the writer is a realist and I am glad to have heard their opinion,” with concerns agents who decided to close could be “tied to the refunds and rebooking of credits till the end of time”.
Susan Mills from Little Bird Travel urged more public support for agents from AFTA, saying “now is the time to be LOUD & very PROUD”.
She also agreed that “our collective heads need to come out of the sand as the time for the discussion of our industry’s future is now”.
Simon Bernardi from Australia & Beyond Holidays has also penned a comprehensive response which is included on of TD today.