AFTA UPDATE from the Australian Federation of Travel Agents

THE road back to international travel is emerging. But the pentup demand is somewhat offset by the lack of supply and the ongoing need to fully rebuild consumer confidence.

Now, more than ever our expertise, connections and ability to find a way through the trickiest of challenges is needed by travelling Australians in a more complex travel space.

AFTA has a bucketload of testimonials coming in each and every day on the very real difference travel experts deliver in these times. We know you’re increasingly being asked to provide answers to questions which are yet to be resolved. AFTA will continue to do what we can where we can to help members navigate the challenges of reopening.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) have also done some research into shifting consumer reliance on travel agents.

ABTA’s research shows that consumers are 20% more likely now to use a travel professional than pre-COVID, with 40% citing the travel professional’s up to date advice as the main reason. ABTA also found two very distinct types of traveller are emerging – those keen to return to familiar favourites and those looking to indulge in bucket list trips.

It’s the same story in the US where the ASTA’s research shows that among those who sometimes or rarely used a travel advisor pre-pandemic, nearly half (44%) now intend to use one. Not surprisingly, nearly all travellers (94%) who always/often used a travel adviser pre-pandemic, will keep doing so.

The expertise and benefits we bring to the table matters. Now more than ever. AFTA is proud to be amplifying the fact that without a travel agent, now more than ever, you really are on your own.

So let’s keep the fight for ongoing support going. It matters for us and it matters for every travelling Australian.