Travel industry connector and commentator Richard Taylor has joined the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) as Director of Membership Experience. As AFTA rebuilds post-pandemic, the AFTA Board and CEO Dean Long want to make sure that the association is as relevant as possible to the needs of the wider Travel Sector.

This member first approach will see Richard join the AFTA team as the association continues to improve its member offering and deliver for all  members, from independent to listed. Richard will have responsibility for introducing new programs which address the challenges in a post COVID world as well as new networking opportunities.

Initially in a part-time role with AFTA, Richard will continue to operate the Travel Community Hub.

AFTA has taken a number of measures to ensure it is a “fit for purpose” organisation, necessitated by both the transformation of the travel landscape and natural evolution of AFTA over 66 years as Travel’s industry body. This includes the considerable work involved in updating the Constitution and membership framework.

AFTA CEO Dean Long stated: “Richard has been a tireless champion of the Travel Sector throughout COVID and his ability to bring people together and build communities is remarkable. He’s always been frank in sharing his insights and feedback on what AFTA has done well and, just as importantly, what we can do better.”

“Last year we conducted a comprehensive review of what AFTA achieved through COVID and what it needs to be in the future to continue to be the peak body for the Australian Travel Sector. Central to this review was ensuring the AFTA team had the right individuals that the industry respected and importantly enjoys working with.”

“As members will see we have some fantastic new initiatives to further embrace all of our ATAS businesses and their employees. I am really pleased that Richard has accepted this role as we continue to rebuild AFTA into a member focused organisation.”

Richard Taylor stated: “I am passionate about the future of our industry and the opportunity to join AFTA and shape the future of our industry body is too good to pass up. I will continue to do what I love which is talking to agents and all the other wonderful people who make up the travel ecosystem as I work with Dean and the team on AFTA’s evolution, growth and future success.”