Impulse Travel Parramatta urges government for industry support
A veteran travel agent has slammed the Federal Government for ‘not giving a damn’ about international travel and is calling for a $125 million package to rescue the “decimated’’ industry.
Parramatta
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Impulse Travel Group owner Stephanie Savage has joined growing calls from within the industry for more financial support to rescue the “decimated” industry and reopen international borders.
The industry veteran has run the retail, wholesale and corporate travel company for 31 years and has offices at North Parramatta and Dural, but was forced to close the North Rocks branch after the coronavirus hit in March and revenue plunged by 150 per cent.
One third of the 23 employees were made redundant and no commission is made on domestic travel bookings.
Her union, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is lobbying the Federal Government to provide a $125 million package for Australia’s 4000 agents and their 40,000 employees.
“One hundred and twenty five million is nothing compared to what they have given to other industries, compared to the building industry ($688m via the HomeBuilder Scheme),’’ Mrs Savage said.
“Our economy’s been battered beyond belief.’’
The comments follow Tuesday night’s budget, which she slammed for failing to assist the travel industry which contributes $28 billion to the economy.
“It won’t help our industry in any way, shape or form,’’ she said.
“It’s supporting domestic travel but they don’t give a damn about international travel because the bulk of that money goes overseas, but there’s an element of that that stays here to keep our people employed.’’
Mrs Savage says 80 per cent of bookings at Impulse Travel are for international trips and while the government’s promotion of domestic holidays was “admirable’’, it was not sustainable.
She urged the government to reopen international borders, especially given the expensive costs of travelling within Australia.
“Most of the Queensland islands are grossly overpriced compared to what you get in Bali or the Maldives,’’ Mrs Savage said.
“The Australian traveller, by virtue of the fact we live on an island, people are desperate to get away.
“I do think people have to come to terms with the fact hygiene is important, social distancing is important and most people … will take the steps they need.’’
AFTA says 72 per cent of travel agencies are small, family-owned businesses turning over between $1 million and $5 million and estimates at least 25 per cent will close.
Mrs Savage has echoed the crucial role of travel agents, who are often the first point of call when a “volcano blows up” or there’s a “shooting somewhere’’.
Unlike online multinational companies such as Expedia and bookings.com, agents are the first point of call for clients when disaster strikes.
“Without a travel agent you’re on your own,’’ Mrs Savage said.
The seasoned jetsetter, who has visited 80 countries, has counted her blessings that, despite overheads, she owns offices which has saved costs.
“I don’t know how others in the industry who have leases, for example, a Westfield, survive because it’s not tenable,’’ she said, while urging holidaygoers to book through an agent.
“Our industry has been decimated,’’ she said.
“The fact is we are employers who are Australian and they pay tax. Yes, we’re small to medium business owners, but we’re employers and we’re trying to do everything we can to keep staff employed.
“I think that’s what’s been forgotten in all this. We’re a people industry.’’