Burnes is Executive Director Helloworld Limited. She is also a G’Day USA Champion and has been a Board Member of Tourism Victoria, a Committee Member of Beyond Tourism 2020 and a Board Member of the Australian Tourism Commission. She fills the vacancy left by David Padman. She joins Chair Tom Manwaring, Vice Chair Christian Hunter, Vice Chair Graham Turner, Shelley Beasley, Laura Ruffles, Spiros Alysandratos, Joanne Sully, David Smith, David Greenland and Roy Merricks.

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Board met for the last time this year.

AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring said, “We are delighted to have Cinzia join the AFTA Board especially given her extensive wholesale experience and as a representative of the Helloworld network.” “The Board meeting, the last of the year, was another busy meeting. The main item for discussion was the updating of the constitution and the voting framework which, as always, prompted robust and frank discussion. We look forward to sharing the Board’s recommended position with Members in the New Year as part of the consultation process.”

“It’s been another full-on year and AFTA is proud of the role we have played in supporting our members through the pandemic and recovery. The Board’s focus has been on ensuring we are in the best possible position to continue delivering for all members especially in the rapidly changing environment we are now operating in.”

Incoming Director Cinzia Burnes said: “It’s an honour to be joining the AFTA Board and I look forward to working with my fellow Directors throughout this critical recovery period and beyond.”