Limestone Coast travel agents are calling on the community to get behind their push for a government rescue package. Local agents have banded together to fight for their industry, which has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spokesperson Naome Burdon from Argyle Travel said agents were issuing a “last call to save the travel industry”. “We’re asking you all, please join the fight, for government rescue package to save us and thousands of travel and tourism jobs in Australia,” she said.
“The travel industry has been one of the hardest hit by COVID-19.” Ms Burdon said travel agents had been dealt dual blows from siginifcantly reduced income and refunding much of their previous year’s income as travel plans were cancelled.
Ms Burdon said 70% of all travel taken by Australians was booked through a travel agent. “Of that $6b has already been refunded, $4b remains in refunds still to go, which is then being injected into our local domestic economy giving a much needed boost – with little reward for us,” she said.
Ms Burdon said a silver lining of COVID-19 for the Limestone Coast travel industry was the collaboration of the local travel agencies to lobby local Federal and State MPs.
“The MPs have both made themselves accessible and been supportive, for this we are so thankful,” she said. “Collectively, throughout the Limestone Coast, your travel agency has supported schools, sporting clubs, local service groups, hospitals and more through awards, gift vouchers, travel prizes and sponsorships.
“Now, we need our community’s help. “We ask you now, please take a moment to write a letter to your local Federal or State MP, asking them to support our local small businesses who are restricted from trading, due to the state and national border closures.
“Also, please contact us, if you’re planning to go anywhere – we will book your weekends away, your one-night stays, your family holidays, your houseboat trips, we can book your sightseeing, your entrances, your tours, your self-drive holidays, your romantic getaways; we do it all, we know it all.
“We want to stay and we want to be here on the other side. “When you work with us you get your holiday and you get to support us too.”
For a template on what to send to your local MP or more information contact Naome@argyletravel.com.au or phone 0408 532 197.
