The Australian Federation of Travel agents (AFTA) is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Smartraveller to monitor the COVID-19 virus, the situation as it unfolds, and its implications for Australians travelling overseas. 
AFTA has produced a new COVID-19 Travel Advice Flyer that ATAS members can distribute and use in communications to assist in responding to client queries and concerns. The flyer provides useful tips and is a healthy reminder that when travelling abroad, at any time, it is important to exercise common-sense, remain vigilant and stay informed.
The flyer considers the following:
- An individual’s decision to travel must be based upon personal circumstances and all the information available to them at the time,
- Consumers are encouraged to source information from official sources such as WHO, Smartraveller and the Department of Health,
- Many destinations remain unaffected,
- Understand what travel restrictions are in place: when deciding to travel consumers, need to ensure that they are informed, not just about the destination they are travelling to, but about the countries they might need to transit through to get there,
- Travellers who decide to cancel will be subject to the terms and conditions agreed to when the booking was made. Consumers should talk to their ATAS travel agent to understand if the travel supplier has made any concessions,
- Consider alternative travel plans and talk to an ATAS travel agent about a domestic holiday,
- You should always take out travel insurance and understand what is and isn’t covered.
To download the COVID-19 Travel Advice – Click Here.
Last month, AFTA also released a helpful fact sheet to assist ATAS members review their business operations in light of the current economic circumstances, and make adjustments for the short-term if necessary.
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