Currently there is little to no financial support mentioned in the platforms of any political party for Independent travel agents after the election. Yet ITA’s will face additional critical financial distress once CRB ends. With Canada’s federal election well underway, ACTA sees a critical juncture to get independent travel agent issues on political platforms. Candidates are listening to their constituents closely and ACTA says now is the perfect time for Independent Travel Agents to ask for a tailored subsidy program.
“ACTA will continue to develop and execute tactics for independent travel agents during and after the election,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President. “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.”
ACTA’s Government Relations firm 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 Paradis. “We urge everyone to set up a Twitter account and post messages.”
Independent travel agents 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
Meet with your local candidate
It is also very important that everyone reach out to their local candidates and request meetings to talk about business issues, attend a BBQ or other small gatherings, and ask candidates for financial support for your survival and recovery.
The Canadian Travel and Tourism industry is hoping for 1,000 meetings per week between now and September 20th!