The staggering amount of travel credit Aussies have due to COVID-19 cancellations

A travel agent advocate of more than 30 years says it’s impossible to put a dollar figure on how much the pandemic has cost the industry, but it’s a “phenomenal” sum.

Travel agents are gathering around the country today and picketing MP offices, calling for help for their struggling industry.

Founder of Melbourne travel business consultancy Inspire Collective, Susan Haberle, says the amount of credit Aussies currently have for cancelled travel gives an indication of the severity of the hit the travel and tourism industry has taken.

“There is $8 billion worth of credit sitting out there that travel agents will manage when travel is safe to do so, for clients that have had cancellations and suspensions,” she told Neil Mitchell.

“The travel and tourism industry were the first to be hit and we’re certainly going to be the last to come out.”

Travel agents across the country are today taking part in a “day of action” with demonstrations outside electorate offices.

They’re calling for the cancellation of all remaining travel restrictions — including the ban on foreign flagged cruise ships, which is in place until February 17 — and financial support until Australians can travel more freely.

Press PLAY below to hear more about the measures the travel industry is calling for