HELLOWORLD Executive Director, Cinzia Burnes, has joined the Board of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA).
Her other credentials include being a Board Member of Tourism Victoria, a Committee Member of Beyond Tourism 2020 and a Board Member of the Australian Tourism Commission, as well as a G’Day USA Champion.
Burnes takes over from former Helloworld colleague, David Padman, who recently resigned from his role as Group General Manager for Air Tickets, Independent and Corporate Networks.
“We are delighted to have Cinzia join the AFTA Board especially given her extensive wholesale experience and as a representative of the Helloworld network,” AFTA Chair Tom Manwaring commented.
“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,” Burnes enthused.
The announcement came after AFTA’s last Board meeting for year, which discussed the updating of the Federation’s constitution and the voting framework going forward.
As part of the consultation process, the Board’s recommended position will be divulged to AFTA members next year.
“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,” Manwaring said.
“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,” he added.
In other news from AFTA, members heard an update today from CEO Dean Long, revealing that almost all of the businesses operating under the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) have returned to positive cashflow and are on track reach profitability.
Long also confirmed the upcoming launch of a “super exciting industry first platform” in the new year.
