As part of the Federal Budget 2022, the Government of Canada opened a stakeholder consultation on its renewed Tourism Growth Strategy to plot a course for growth, investment and stability in Canada’s travel and tourism sector.

Specific areas of focus for the federal government are labour gaps and instability, investment attraction and destination development, and long-term economic growth across the country.

ACTA’s submission for the Tourism Growth Strategy contains eight key recommendations:

1. Attract and retain a sustainable travel & tourism workforce

2. Embrace a whole-of-government approach, including all Ministries in the

   strategy

3. Improve access for travellers to and within Canada

4. Tie any new COVID-19 restrictions with financial subsidies for hard-hit travel

   & tourism businesses

5. Ensure independent travel agents are included in future federal support

   programs

6. Forgive federal COVID-19 loans for hard-hit travel & tourism businesses

7. Build a regenerative and inclusive travel & tourism industry to rebuild an

   economically stable sector

8. Mandate that travel agent commission protection be included in all federal

   supplier support programs

ACTA’s submission puts forward recommendations that support travel agencies and independent travel agents.

As a member of the steering committee, ACTA’s recommendations were developed in close cooperation with the Coalition of Hardest-Hit Businesses to build industry consensus.

On August 3, ACTA met with The Hon. Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism, to share its recommendations personally. It was a productive discussion with the ACTA team and board members, and the Minister shared that he values the role Canada’s travel agencies and independent travel agents play in Canada’s travel and tourism industry and looks forward to continued dialogue with ACTA and its Members.