TRAVEL agents in Tamworth have risen to the challenge and are campaigning for more support for the industry as it struggles through the COVID-19 crisis.
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Louise Brock from 'She's My Travel Agent' and her colleague created a nation-wide online petition, which has gained more than 3500 signatures since it went live on Friday.
"We couldn't just crawl up into a ball and do nothing," she said.
"We live in a great democracy so know our voices can be heard."
Ms Brock is passionate about her clients and her work and said targeted support is needed for the travel industry in Australia, to make sure agents can keep doing what they love and people can keep booking holidays.
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"The purpose of the petition was to raise awareness of our plight, in that while ever our borders are closed and Australians cannot travel freely, we effectively have nothing to sell," she said.
"If changes are made and there is structured income support past when the international borders reopen then we will feel very proud to have contributed."
Ms Brock may have launched the e-petition, but she said the collaboration and support from other travel agents - regardless of their brand - has been really positive.
"It's been wonderful to see so many agents work together in getting this out among their networks too, regardless of the brand they work for- we are truly all in this together," she said.
Ms Brock and the other local businesses involved are working to make positive change during tough times, but the sector is struggling through booking cancellations, border closures and refunds.
"Anyone that works in the travel industry is very passionate about what they do so COVID-19 has been nothing short of devastating on so many levels," she said.
The petition can be found online and will be open until September 2.