Roll out the Farrell: AFTA

THE Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has welcomed the likely installation of Don Farrell to the Tourism Minister position after Labor secured victory in Sat’s Federal Election, calling him a “champion of Australia’s travel agents”.

“[Farrell] has worked both behind the scenes as well as on the floor of Parliament to push the need for ongoing support and refine the delivery mechanisms,” AFTA CEO Dean Long said.

“In a webinar meeting with AFTA members just before the election, Senator Farrell highlighted his own focus on listening to the industry to get a sense of what will really help in the recovery and to continue to work with us as we recover.”

Despite Labor’s win, AFTA added it would continue its bipartisan approach to achieving the best outcomes for the sector.

MEANWHILE the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) believes its strong relationship with the Labor Party forged over the last two years of the pandemic will serve the export tourism sector well as it seeks to continue its economic rebound.

“There is much to be done in helping Australia’s export tourism industry to get back to its full success and we are looking forward to working alongside the Albanese Government in achieving this,” ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said.

“ATEC has built a strong relationship with the Labor party, ensuring they are across the key issues being faced by our industry and we are confident the new ministry is well informed & ready to support tourism’s future.”

Australia’s tourism industry delivers the country more than $45 billion in revenue to the economy, with ATEC stating export tourism will be a valuable contributor to help drive Australia’s recovering revenue.

Priorities in future discussions between the Federal Government and ATEC will be: visa policy and processing, export marketing development grants, aviation access, workforce & skills development, as well as insurance schemes.