TORONTO — ACTA has submitted several key recommendations that support travel agencies and independent travel agents in response to the Government of Canada’s renewed Tourism Growth Strategy.
As part of the Federal Budget 2022, the federal government opened a stakeholder consultation on its Tourism Growth Strategy to plot a course for growth, investment and stability in Canada’s travel and tourism sector. Specific areas of focus include labour gaps and instability, investment attraction, destination development and long-term economic growth.
ACTA’s submission included eight recommendations, including:
- Attract and retain a sustainable travel & tourism workforce
- Embrace a whole-of-government approach, including all Ministries in the strategy
- Improve access for travellers to and within Canada
- Tie any new COVID-19 restrictions with financial subsidies for hard-hit travel & tourism businesses
- Ensure independent travel agents are included in future federal support programs
- Forgive federal COVID-19 loans for hard-hit travel & tourism businesses
- Build a regenerative and inclusive travel & tourism industry to rebuild an economically stable sector
- Mandate that travel agent commission protection be included in all federal supplier support programs
As a member of the steering committee, ACTA’s recommendations were developed in close cooperation with the Coalition of Hardest-Hit Businesses to build industry consensus.
On Aug. 3, ACTA met with Minister of Tourism Randy Boissonnault to share its recommendations personally. ACTA said it was a “productive discussion,” with the Minister saying he values the role Canada’s travel agencies and independent travel agents play in Canada’s travel and tourism industry, and that he looks forward to continued dialogue with ACTA and its members.
