Despite the best efforts of industry lobbyist ACTA and grassroots organization ACITA, yesterday's 2022 federal budget failed to address the ongoing need for support for travel agencies and independent travel agents.
"Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the federal government has not budgeted for an extension to the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program wage and rent subsidies or for independent travel agent financial support," said ACTA president Wendy Paradis.
"As a result, it is expected that wage and rent subsidies will end as scheduled on May 7, and no direct financial support for independent travel agents is forthcoming," Paradis added.
On that date, all temporary financial support programs will come to an end, despite the ongoing impact of the Omicron variant and the delayed revenue model that sees travel advisors often wait months for compensation for their efforts.
According to Paradis, it wasn't for lack of trying.
"Through ACTA's pre-budget submission, political engagements, partnership with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, and member grassroots work, there was intense advocacy pressure on the federal government to protect travel agencies and independent travel agents --- who are among the most impacted by the pandemic," the ACTA president said.
Volunteer organization ACITA also worked tirelessly to alert politicians to the plight of independent travel agents, holding more than 300 online meetings with elected officials.
One of those officials is Peterborough Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri, who acts as 'shadow minister' for tourism from the opposition side. In a video shot a day prior to the budget, Ferreri praised ACITA's efforts.
"There's a group of people, 12,000 independent travel advisors, comprised mostly of women, and they have been left out of the process of receiving funding. They've done everything that's been asked of them. They've met with MPs, they've written letters, they've done all the things.
"CERB was cut off in October and they're still not receiving any funding, and they don't get paid until somebody takes their trip. So you can imagine with all of the travel uncertainty still swirling, some of these independent travel advisors have yet to get any money. Some have lost their homes, some have developed anxiety, depressive disorders - it's heartbreaking stories. I'm really going to be pushing the government to make sure they're including these independent travel advisors in their budget."
Following the budget announcement, ACITA's Nancy Wilson thanked Ferreri for her support, and suggested that smaller groups impacted by the ongoing pandemic face an uphill battle to be noticed.
"Thank you Michelle for standing up for Independent Advisors," Wilson wrote on Facebook. "And for all segments that are being left behind. It is so important that small groups that get left behind have a voice in parliament. It seems that smaller groups that don't have a large impact aren't worth a focus from the government."
Following the budget announcement, ACTA's Paradis said the group is moving on to new battles.
"At this stage, ACTA's focus transitions from survival to recovery and advocacy will begin with all levels of government on lifting remaining barriers to travel, reducing regulatory burdens, tackling the labour crisis, and fostering an environment where travel agencies and independent travel agents can thrive," Paradis said.
ACTA says it will provide further analysis of the 2022 federal budget at its upcoming townhall, set for April 11 at 1pm in English and April 13 at 11 am in French. All are welcome to attend - English-speaking participants can register here, French-speaking can register here.
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