The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has welcomed the end of the Qantas industrial action by stressing the critical role played by travel agents in the saga.
While Qantas aircraft were back in the skies the afternoon 31 October 2011 following a ruling in the early hours by Fair Works Australia, travel agents across Australia were frantically working over the weekend to save the travel arrangements of thousands of stranded passengers.
Many customers who booked direct were left to fend for themselves, according to AFTA chief executive, Jayson Westbury, who said the value of travel agents was again clearly demonstrated.
“Now more than ever, Australians are reminded of the benefits of using a travel agent,” he said. “While this latest Qantas situation has been most unfortunate for travellers, it is the travel agent which has been the back bone of helping people get on their way.”
Noting that Qantas passengers who booked with agents were “better off in the end”,
Now more than ever, Australians are reminded of the benefits of using a travel agent.
Westbury said the events over the weekend strengthened AFTA’s Without a Travel Agent you’re on your own campaign.
“Our message is very clear to consumers, without a travel agent you are on your own and when these types of crises hit, and let’s face it we have unfortunately had many in 2011, the travel agent has on so many occasions clearly demonstrated their value,” he said.
