THE MORNING AFTER

ACTA to Push New Federal Government for Continued Financial Aid

Following the federal election on 20SEP, ACTA says it looks forward to working with the newly-elected Liberal minority government - holding the party to its promise to introduce a new wage and rent subsidy program for hardest-hit businesses.

ACTA says it was "pleased" to confirm prior to the election that travel agencies will be eligible for these programs. ACTA will urge government to act quickly on this promise and ensure broad program rules to ensure no eligible business is left behind.

“Of critical importance is the survival of the hardest-hit businesses. Tourism businesses, including travel agencies, travel agents and independent travel agents, continue to experience severe impacts on revenue resulting from government travel restrictions and advisories,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA president.

“With nearly two years of little to no revenue, many travel agencies and independent travel agents are facing immediate challenges to their continued operations. There is an urgent need for continued wage, rent, and CRB-type financial support for hardest-hit tourism businesses so they can survive to see recovery,” she added.

Support Needed for IC's

ACTA points out that thousands of independent travel agents across Canada have relied on CRB for survival during the pandemic - and that the risk to that large sector of travel professionals is dire.

“If independent travel agents are not included in the platform promise, government must introduce a new program that is like the CRB targeted to hardest-hit persons in the tourism sector,” said Paradis.

“ACTA will get to work immediately to advocate for this urgent need.”

But the organization is warning not to expect quick results from the newly-formed government. Paradis advises its members that new governments take a few weeks post-election to get up and running again.

“We hope there won’t be delays," she said. "This is a unique situation – there’s a global pandemic and wave 4 is hitting Canada. Extended financial support of travel agencies, travel agents and independent travel agents is urgent with current program expiry dates looming. We urge the new government to act quickly.”

 

You may also like
World-Class Culture, Fine Wine and Mating Rhinos; South Africa Comes to Town
South Africa’s Justin Barnette, the highly entertaining head of Marketing and Communications, said the tourism team wanted to come to Toronto ...
Plane in Flight
CAPA ANALYSIS: With Lynx Gone, Canada’s Big Airlines Are Playing it Smart
A Senior Analyst, Americas, at Sydney-based CAPA - Centre for Aviation, penned a story this week that looks at how Canadian ...
JTB Invites GTA Advisors to Attend ‘Evening with Jamaica’ Event 16-17APR
The Jamaica Tourist Board is hosting two events in Toronto for GTA advisors to experience an Evening with Jamaica on 16APR ...
Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Opening Hailed as a First
The 18th resort in its portfolio, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines held its ribbon cutting ceremony on 28MAR. For travel ...
WestJet 737 MAX 8
Antigua and Barbuda Sees 'Major Boost' to Lift for Summer, Winter
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transport and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, earlier this month led a…

Talk Back! Post a comment: