The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), on Friday urged the Federal Government to hastily assist the association to cushion the negative effect of COVID-19 on the travels industry.
Its National President, Mr Bankole Bernard, made the call during a press briefing held at NANTA Secretariat, Fadeyi, Lagos.
Benard said that the travel industry had suffered a huge loss owing to the outbreak of coronavirus and the decision of the government to minimise social gatherings for proper management of the viral outbreak.
According to him, the business of travels had waned off due to people’s fear of contracting the virus.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to also give some bailout in terms of interest free loans as the industry recorded a loss of N180 billion and on a global outlook, airlines had lost over $200 bullion since the viral outbreak.
He said countries like the United States of America, United Arab Emirates and others have created some forms of aid to the travels industry, therefore, Nigeria should not be left out.
He also urged the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to extend the remittance period in which travel agencies could remit money for ticket sales to a month or more instead of fortnightly.
According to the NANTA President, this would enable them meet up the payment obligation at this difficult time.
He explained that there was agreement between IATA and travel agencies that there would be remittance of sales to IATA on a fortnight basis regardless of how attractive the market could be.
” Due to lack of sales at this critical period, it is obvious that we will not be able to meet up with the usual fortnight remittance of our sales
” Unfortunately we are not selling and even the ones sold, it is difficult getting the money because there are laid down rules of engagement with our clients which had fallen out due to COVID-19.
” This remains shocking to us and we plead that the payment period should be extended to one month or more instead of two weeks duration for the period this outbreak is ongoing.
” We want IATA to relax its payment circle to guide against travel agents defaulting in their remittance.
” We don’t want the stigma of default,” he said.
Mrs Lola Adewole, immediate past Vice President of NANTA, Lagos zone , said that due to the hardship experienced in the industry, most travel agencies had to lay off some of their staff to remain in business.
She however urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to support the association at this critical period by providing interest free loans to NANTA for the period at which COVID-19 was ravaging the world.
She said this would enable the association cope with it’s socio-economic challenges.
