TORONTO — ACTA is taking its advocacy efforts to Twitter, urging Independent Travel Agents (ITAs) and industry members to push for financial support on the social media platform leading up to Canada’s federal election.

According to ACTA, now is the time to get independent travel agent issues on political platforms, including the need for a tailored subsidy program, when candidates are listening to their constituents closely and with the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) set to end on Oct. 23. ACTA’s Government Relations firms has advised that the best place for these messages is Twitter.

“Candidates, party leaders and journalists are following Twitter closely and it is the most impactful platform to share our message,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President. “We urge everyone to set up a Twitter account and post messages.”

Paradis added that ACTA will continue to develop and execute tactics for ITAs during and after the election.

“We are urging members to share the importance of financial support for independent travel agents until the travel industry can recover. Our message will be directed to all political parties. It is very important to share your story and the need for financial support with key electoral candidates,” she said.

ITAs and industry members can either compose their own Tweet or use the following templates:

• As a hardest-hit tourism business, independent travel agents need the next government to create a transitional support program to ensure our business survival. We call on @JustinTrudeau @theJagmeetSingh @erinotoole @YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATE to save our business. #cdnpoli
• I’m an independent travel agent who relies on the CRB. I call on all parties to create a transitional program to help us survive and see economic recovery. @JustinTrudeau @theJagmeetSingh @erinotoole @YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATE #cdnpoli @Election2021
• @JustinTrudeau @theJagmeetSingh @erinotoole @YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATE, how will you help independent travel agents, who are hardest hit independent contractors and sole proprietors, survive to see recovery? We need urgent sector-specific support beyond October! #cdnpoli #Election2021

ACTA also stresses the importance of ITAs reaching out to local candidates and requesting meetings to talk about business issues, attending a BBQ or other small gatherings, and asking candidates for financial support for their survival and recovery.

The Canadian Travel and Tourism industry is aiming for $1,000 meetings per week between now and Sept. 20, says ACTA.