ACTA is asking travel agents again to send letters to their Member of Parliament in support of its recommendations on the federal Tourism Growth Strategy (TSG). The initiative is part of a wider effort by the travel industry in Canada to ensure that its concerns are top of mind as the government prepares its upcoming 2023 budget.

After intense lobbying by the travel and tourism sector, the TSG was launched last summer by the federal government to help the industry recover from the uniquely debilitating effects of the pandemic it has faced.

Now, ACTA says it has learned that the Tourism Growth Strategy investments are being decided and, as such, “It is critical that the federal government understands the importance of investing in travel and tourism. The strategy is part of the federal budget and is crucial in supporting travel agencies and independent travel agents.”

As a key partner of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, a cross-industry advocacy group for sectors most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, ACTA is joining the national call-to-action to join a letter writing campaign to pressure decision-makers in Ottawa to continue to invest in Canada’s travel and tourism businesses.

For travel agents and independent travel agents, this investment includes:

• Reducing the strain of labour shortages
• Improving the traveller experience through airports and other federal travel infrastructure, and
• Reducing barriers to business development

Urging that letters be sent this week, ACTA President Wendy Paradis said, “It is critical that as many letters as possible are sent, and we are thankful to all for participating in this campaign.”

To help make sending a letter quick and easy, TIAC has posted a link to find MP contact details and a letter template HERE.

Meanwhile, ACTA’s submission to the government on the Tourism Growth Strategy can be seen HERE.