ACTA has responded to comments from travel agencies and independent travel agents expressing disappointment and anger over the ending of federal financial subsidies.
The group is also defending its decision to shift lobbying efforts away from a push for continued support.
"ACTA is also disappointed -- but not surprised -- as there were many signals coming from the government close to the federal budget release that COVID-related subsidies were ending," said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President.
She added: "ACTA understands some travel agencies and independent travel agents are disappointed and understandably upset that financial subsidies were not included in the federal budget."
But Paradis said that continuing to press for a continuation of government assistance is not productive, and could be damaging.
"At this point, it is clear that further pursuing financial subsidies after a definite 'no' is not in our members' interest, when there is no reasonable prospect of success. In fact, it might be harmful for our industry to continue pushing a 'closed issue' to MPs and other government officials at this time. We also do not want to give travel agencies and independent travel agents false hope."
In the wake of the federal budget, ACTA says it is moving on to other critical issues.
"It is in our members' best interest to work on matters critical to recovery, including easing of remaining border restrictions, supplier issues, and building a more resilient travel sector," Paradis said.
To provide additional context, ACTA has published an FAQ on the federal budget for 2022. You can see it here.
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