Think local when looking to book your next holiday

IN FEBRUARY, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents produced some startling statistics from its recent survey of travel agency owners, store managers, tour operators and wholesalers.

Of those surveyed 67% are small to medium businesses.

This industry sector has been hit hard.

● They survey found that these businesses:

● Have had a 90% decline in revenue.

● Expect employment in their sector to decrease by 88% without ongoing government stimulus packages.

● Anticipate profit will not return until 2023 under the current circumstances. ● 52% are unsure about the future of their business.

These statistics have been reaffirmed by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, who reported that its survey found that since the health disruption, 98% of travel agent had reported a 75% decrease in revenue since March 2020.

These statistics are more than startling, they are alarming.

The future of this industry sector, as we knew it, looks dire.

They need our support, while they continue to seek ongoing government intervention to facilitate their survival.

Yes, you may be thinking, why book with a travel agent, we have the internet.

There are many reasons to book through your local travel agent, like, supporting the local jobs, saving your precious time and enjoying old fashioned one-to-one personalised service.

A great travel agent is a tourism ambassador for any town.

They can recommend restaurants to meet your needs, tourist attractions to go to, what is on in the town and region, where to stay and the list goes on.

With the Easter holiday season about to be upon us, reach out to one of the worst affected industry sectors in town.

Call your local travel agent to book, arrange, help plan your holiday or even get ideas of where to go.

“There are many reasons to book through your local travel agent, like, supporting the local jobs, saving your precious time and enjoying old fashioned one-to-one personalised service.”

TODD ROHL