Over 50 new AFTA members

THE Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) says it has accepted and accredited over 50 applications from new members in recent months, as it continues to manage high levels of enquiries about becoming part of AFTA, along with a “strong renewal rate of those AFTA members who continue to trade”.

In an industry update today, AFTA Chairman Tom Manwaring said a further 20 applications were still under review, claiming that the result “actually puts our proportional representation well ahead of pre-COVID levels”.

“Given approximately a third of the eligible travel sector has closed down or gone into hibernation as a result of COVID, this is a remarkable result and vote of confidence in AFTA and the need for our ongoing focus in supporting members and the sector,” he said.

Manwaring said the AFTA Board and team were grateful for the ongoing support of the industry.

The demand for AFTA and ATAS participation comes alongside multiple withdrawals from the ATAS scheme (TD 14 Sep, TD 08 Sep, TD 29 Jun), with some pull outs due to business closures, as well as tour operator members withdrawing to join the new CATO accreditation scheme (TD 28 Jun).