Travel agency closes after 30 years over COVID ‘catastrophe’
A long-running travel agency, which has been booking dream holidays for three decades, will this weekend make the emotional move to shut its shopfront for good as it struggles from the “catastrophic” impacts of COVID-19.
Moreton
Don't miss out on the headlines from Moreton. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Redcliffe travel agent says an almost 100 per cent downturn in income has forced her business to close its shopfront.
Helloworld Travel Redcliffe owner manager Vicki Shepherd said she and her three staff will work remotely from next week after presenting to their Sutton St office every day since mid-March — when COVID-19 really took grip of the country — to unravel bookings and process refunds for clients.
HOW TRAVEL AGENTS ACROSS QLD ARE HIT BY COVID
She is one of 4000 travel agencies — employing 40,000 Aussies — experiencing a never before seen decline in business.
“This has been devastating for morale as we have worked hard to create amazing holidays for our clients and are now doing this work in reverse for no return.
“Personally, the emotional toll is immense as it is for my consultants as well.
“Travel is our passion, not just a career.”
Ms Shepherd’s agency is a small business of four staff, who have worked together in the Redcliffe community for more than 12 years.
“Our travel business has been operating on the peninsula for over 30 years and weathered many world events,” Ms Shepherd said.
“We’ve lost the investment and value of our business with chances of rebuilding too daunting too consider at the moment.
“We are actually in the process of relocating to home this weekend and will be operating the business remotely to reduce overheads to hopefully come out at the other end of this.”
According to the The Australian Federation of Travel Agents, a $125 million support package is desperately needed by the industry, which had been a growth sector contributing $28 billion annually to the economy before COVID-19 struck.
The industry had been responsible for 70 per cent of international bookings made from Australia and gained some two-thirds of its total turnover value from international air and cruise which was indefinitely interrupted on March 18 and is expected to take a far longer recovery period than that of domestic travel.
“Almost all agents have experienced revenue falls of close to 100 per cent,” the federation said, adding that the plummet followed what had been a healthy 11 per cent year on year growth.
“Without tailored support these businesses will start closing.
“That means job losses, a gap in the market that the internationals will fill. They don’t pay taxes or employ locals.”
Currently, the federation estimates at least 25 per cent of local travel agencies will close.
Ms Shepherd fears it may be too late to save some agencies.
“We are all grateful for the assistance received to date (federal and state government grants), which have helped us keep operating to date.
“Given that the government assistance is based on downturn of 30 per cent for small businesses, travel companies have had 98 – 100 per cent downturns.
“With no certainty of overseas travel commencing in the near future the situation is now catastrophic for our industry.
“Travel agencies seem to be a forgotten industry with no specific assistance that we’ve been advised of.
“Unless something is forthcoming soon to ensure the survival of our industry, there will be no local agents to provide the service required for many travellers who look to us for advice, guidance and assistance to create their holidays.”
She urged anyone considering an Australian getaway to book through their local agent.
“Luckily, we have some of the most beautiful destinations here in Queensland, so now is the time to explore our own backyard.
“Support your local travel agents, we are here to assist in these unprecedented times.
“With border closures constantly changing it can be challenging to know when and where to travel at present.
“Be flexible and expect the possibility of not having full access to all places and attractions as many tourist businesses are not operating to full capacity.
“Attractions need to be booked well in advance, for example The Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach is booked out for weeks in advance.
“Until state governments decide to have a united front so that we work together as one country, even planning interstate travel is fraught with uncertainty. It will only take a small cluster for hot spots to be declared and restrictions in place again.”
More local news:
Redcliffe’s best personal trainer revealed