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AFTA Welcomes Round 2 Opening Of Agent Support Program

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has welcomed the opening of Round 2 of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, which went live on Sunday, 2 May.

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has welcomed the opening of Round 2 of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program, which went live on Sunday, 2 May.

Austrade finally released further details and eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program late on Friday afternoon with Round 2 applications opening on Sunday 2 May.
 
In a press release, AFTA thanked the Government for ‘continued open dialogue with AFTA on industry feedback to discuss the ongoing refinement of the program.’

AFTA in conjunction with CATO and ATEC have been working together as part of the ongoing consultation with Austrade.

Speaking about Round 2 of the program, AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring said,

AFTA continues to make representations and provide feedback on the rollout out of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program.”

“We are very grateful for the Government’s allocation of $258 Million in support to travel agents so far. We also appreciate the opportunity to continue to provide feedback on the implementation process and are grateful for Austrade’s ongoing commitment to consultation.”

Darren-Rudd-Dan-Tehan-and-Tom-Manwaring
Darren Rudd (Former AFTA CEO), Dan Tehan and Tom Manwaring

“There is commitment at all levels to getting the money to those agents and businesses who so desperately deserve it. We know that many agents are in an increasingly dire state, and we have and will continue to fight for ongoing support. Payments for Round 2 will commence from 3 May whilst the review of appeals on exceptional circumstances is well underway.”

“In addition to continuing to lobby federally on the refinement of and an extension to the Grants Program, AFTA is also pushing for ongoing support for members with an initial focus on the next six months. This work is also ongoing at a state and territory level.”

ATEC has also welcomed the news, with ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley saying “ATEC has been pleased to work in close partnership with Austrade, alongside like-minded industry associations AFTA and CATO in making contributions to the policy framework associated with the second tranche of the grants program.”

“ATEC looks forward to supporting the work of the panel and helping to pave the way back for our successful export tourism industry,” he said.

When do applications open and close?

Applications for Round 2 opened on Sunday 2 May 2021 and will be accepted until 11:59 PM (AEDT) 12 June 2021.

Applications are to be submitted via Services Australia’s Business Hub.

For more information and an updated FAQ document for Round 2 of the program, head to austrade.gov.au.