AFTA UPDATE

I HAD the great pleasure of attending the MTA conference on the Gold Coast over the weekend and while there were plenty of topics to discuss, the top subject on everyone’s lips was the COVID-19 virus. More on that shortly.

For all those involved in MTA conference, a very big congratulations goes out to Roy and Karen Merricks and their team for putting together such a professional event and in celebration of their 20 years.

That is a milestone in anyone’s books and there is no doubt that MTA has become a home for so many who have taken their travel careers to new heights.

A great event, plenty of fun of course, but also some sobering conversations about the current industry challenges and the challenges ahead for 2020.

On the COVID-19 situation, there seems to be two key questions.

First, how long will this go on for, and second, how do I advise my client what they should do?

Both are very tricky questions. In terms of the how long – I have come to the following conclusion which is my 6-4-2 strategy.

Plan for six months (so till Aug), pray for four months (so till Jun) and hope for two months (so till end of Apr).

Implementing a rolling strategy that follows this 6-4-2 model, it allows a business to consider the subject at the end of each month or period and determine what the status of the virus is, how people are viewing travel, what bookings or cancellations are being made and what to do next.

Of course nobody wants this to run until Aug or even further, but if plans are considered for that length of time with an ability to step up activity quickly should things come good more quickly, then at least you have a plan.

To the second question about what to tell clients – this is a very complex question as nobody has the same set of circumstances or bookings in place.

Cancellation polices, insurance cover, personal choice & common sense all play a big part in how to respond to this question.

If there was an easy way to respond, then I guess nobody would be asking AFTA or myself what to do.

There is not an easy answer. As we all keep a keen eye on the government’s announcements and the Smartraveller travel advisories, the ongoing media coverage of every twist and turn does present the industry with a daily challenge of what to say and how best to advise.

At the end of the day, there have been no laws implemented or changed to accommodate cancellation or requirements by suppliers so we can only rely upon Australian Consumer Law, terms and conditions, & as I mentioned before, common sense.

From where I see things, most suppliers are taking a very reasonable approach to these things and for travel agents, it is best to check first before any action is taken on behalf of clients to ensure everyone is clear on the consequences of decisions taken.

Hang in there – I am sure we will all manage to get through this.