AFTA UPDATE

From Dean Long, CEO

AS DISCUSSED in last week’s column, I had the pleasure of meeting with the opposition leader and Shadow Treasurer in Queensland before the debate on Wed.

While speaking about the travel industry’s important workforce challenges, the announcement of the security arrangements between China and the Solomon Islands meant a discussion on the importance of a stable Pacific ensued.

Both Labor leaders were keen to understand and discuss the role that travel plays in Australia’s ongoing diplomatic positioning in the Pacific.

In these discussions, I also spoke to both leaders about the impact of Australians booking using an Australian travel agent, travelling to the Pacific, and the crucial role it continues to play in promoting Australian culture and influence.

We discussed that Australia is the largest contributor of tourists to the Pacific, creating important long-term employment opportunities in the region.

Conversely we also discussed the opportunities it provides Australians to gain a greater understanding of our important Pacific family.

The importance of cultural exchange leading to greater connectivity between cultures is always highlighted for me on important national days on the calendar such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, and one I very much reflected upon over the last weekend.

Our ability to interact with, visit, experience, and gain a greater appreciation for different people through travel will always assist the world in avoiding conflict.

AFTA is currently conducting research into the impact of international travel by Australians to the Pacific and other developing countries.

As I have spoken about many times, international travel by Australians is Australia’s largest import, but also our largest contributor to most economies around the world.

Now more than ever, we need to keep borders open and remove restrictions as quickly and safely as possible.