The campaign, which is housed on SaveTheTravelIndustry.com.au, calls on Aussies to get involved to lobby the Federal Government to extend a rescue package to the industry from 29 March, 2021 to 2022, when international borders are expected to reopen.
The community is encouraged to support the cause by; downloading the online campaign toolkit, sharing the #SaveTheTravelIndustry creative assets on social media, downloading and using the #SaveTheTravelIndustry Facebook frames and by spreading the word about the campaign - calling local MPs, and joining the fight by signing the ‘Save the travel industry’ petition at https://bit.ly/3arhik2.
Dennis Bunnik, a key supporter of the campaign, CATO (Council of Australian Tour Operators) Chair and Bunnik Tours Joint-CEO, reiterated how important the campaign is to highlight the plight of the travel industry due to COVID border closures and the dire consequences for jobs if Jobkeeper support ends as planned in March.
“Our tourism industry has been crippled by the closure of international borders with many thousands of jobs lost already. The jobs that remain are hanging on by a thread and that thread is Jobkeeper. The planned end of Jobkeeper in March will have a catastrophic impact on jobs and businesses in the travel industry. Our fear is total collapse of the industry which will not only be devastating for those working in travel but will have a serious impact on Australian’s ability to travel and explore the world safely once this crisis is over,” said Dennis, CATO Chair.
Matt Leedham, campaign creator, says that he has been inspired by seeing people come together over the past year to support one another, and he hopes that Australians can get behind the travel industry when they need it most.
“Time is running out for so many businesses - this not only affects big tourism players like airlines, hotels and major travel retailers, but also independent travel agents, local attractions, restaurants, and your favourite coastal retreat, with regional and local businesses likely to be among the first to suffer. This campaign relies on many people doing small things – download the toolkit, post on social media, call your MP, sign the petition – everything helps,” said Matt, Founder KarryOn.com.au and Travel to Change the World.
Darren Rudd, CEO of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has also come on board for the campaign, highlighting the need for government support beyond encouraging domestic tourism.
“We must continue to work together to make sure government at all levels understands that until international travel happens, we need ongoing tailored support. The #SaveTheTravelIndustry campaign is another welcome activation in pushing for that support and complements AFTA’s ongoing work in raising political awareness within an appreciative framework of our sector’s desperate need for support. This includes the extension of a version of JobKeeper for our sector and finessing of the $128m Grants Support Program,” said Darren Rudd, CEO AFTA.
“The Government’s focus on supporting domestic tourism is great but it’s more a confidence boost for consumers in getting them to travel within Australia rather than having any meaningful financial or revenue benefits for our travel agents, travel wholesalers and tour operators who rely on Australians travelling overseas.”
Head to SaveTheTravelIndustry.com.au to find out what can be done to help.
Watch and share the video for the campaign here: https://bit.ly/3pDLY7P
Campaign assets can be downloaded and shared freely: www.savethetravelindustry.com.au
Sign the change.org petition: https://bit.ly/3arhik2
SaveTheTravelIndustry
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