8 July ATIA members asked to raise awareness July 8, 2024 By Amanda Rixon Media Release 0 Information on these and related important advisories is available on the Travel Exchange, on ATIA’s website, to support members. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) The Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control has asked for the assistance of ATIA members in making sure more Australians know how to protect themselves from the risk of MERS, a rare but serious viral respiratory illness. The Centre advises that around 84% of MERS cases are reported from Saudi Arabia. MERS is thought to spread through contact with camels, camel products or another person with MERS. So far there have been no cases in Australia. A MERS information card is available for travellers, which explains what to do during and after travelling to an area affected by MERS. For more information and to download the information card, which is available in a number of languages, please visit www.health.gov.au/MERS. New Zealand Traveller Declaration and changes to eGate eligibility With an expected increase in travel to New Zealand in the coming weeks, it’s important travellers are aware that everyone travelling into New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). This includes babies and children. The NZTD collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It’s free and can be started at any time. The earliest it can be submitted is 24 hours before a person starts their trip to New Zealand, and it must be submitted by the time they reach passport control in New Zealand. The NZTD can be done online at www.travellerdeclaration.govt.nz or on the NZTD app. Recent changes mean 10-year-olds can now use Customs’ automated eGates on arrival and departure from New Zealand. QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY & ADVOCACY INGRID FRASER: “ATIA works closely with Government, Government bodies and related authorities in key markets to promote the Australian Travel sector and the work of our members in making travel as safe and seamless as possible for their clients.” “ATIA established the Travel Exchange as a platform for the industry to collaborate and as a channel to share tips, advisories and insights, and we encourage all members to take advantage of this resource.” Related Articles Travel has a new home – the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) The Australian Travel Industry has a new peak industry body representing travel agents and advisors, tour operators, consolidators and wholesalers replacing the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) effective today. ATIA delivers for Members: New Service/Professional Fee Flyers to Enhance Customer Understanding The Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) new Service Fee flyers are proving popular, with ATAS participants already reporting increased customer understanding and satisfaction. New ATIA Directors welcomed at 47th AGM ATIA has successfully held its 47th AGM, with three new directors appointed at the meeting today for the FY25 Board. ATIA unveils game-changing initiatives at inaugural Beyond Borders Summit The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced a series of landmark initiatives aimed at reshaping Australia’s travel sector at the first-ever Beyond Borders Summit in Sydney. ATIA’s first year of impact One year after transforming into the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), we are proud to be fulfilling our commitment to delivering value for our members and serving as a strong advocate for both international and domestic travel by Australians. New Chair and Vice Chair for ATIA The ATIA board has elected Christian Hunter as Chair, and Laura Ruffles has been elected Vice Chair alongside Graham Turner, who is returning as Vice Chair. Showing 0 Comment Comments are closed.