From hero to zero: how COVID-19 slashed millions from local travel business
A Wetherill Park-based travel agent has joined thousands across the country in support of a $125M support package to keep the embattled industry afloat.
Fairfield
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A local travel agent has described the impact of the 9/11 attacks on international travel and tourism as “minor” compared to the current devastation being wrought on the industry as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bina Williamson, Co-Owner of Travel Plans International, explained restrictions to domestic and international travel imposed as a result of the pandemic meant the once successful small business had “gone to zero” almost overnight.
“I started off as a travel agent in America in 1979 and moved to Australia in 1996,” Ms Willamson said.
“During 9/11 there were minor interruptions, but not to such an extent that it brought us down to our knees like this pandemic has.
“We lost over $2 million in just three months from March – no profits at all.”
Celebrating their eleventh year in business, this year would have also marked a significant personal milestone for Ms Williamson and her family, were it not for the pandemic.
“My husband wanted to retire and he can’t because I‘m out of a job now and I‘ve still got a mortgage to pay,” she said.
“He is a panel beater so he does physical work.
“He is going to be 72-years-old and to do physical work at this age … it’s hard.
“My daughter is helping but she can only help so much. It’s very very tough.”
The Wetherill Park-based business is one of 4,000 travel agents across the country hoping the Federal Government approves a proposed $125M Travel Agent Support Package put forward by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
“The package will help me and my staff,” Ms Williamson said.
“We’ve all worked in the business together to bring it to what it is.
“It will help the business to keep it afloat until such time that everything reopens.”
According to AFTA, almost all travel agents have experienced revenue falls of close to 100 per cent, with businesses unable to ‘pivot’ in any capacity – unlike hotels, airlines and tour operators.
In stark contrast, 2018-2019 saw Australians spend over $46BN on international travel, with 70 per cent of these bookings made through a travel agent.
Acknowledging JobKeeper had helped “put food on the table,” Ms Williamson expressed concern the Federal Government‘s extension of the JobKeeper payment till March 28 would not be enough to ensure the survival of the business long-term.
“It’s not giving us enough, but it’s helping us,” Ms Williamson said.
“That’s why I‘m praying it gets extended until June of next year.”