Independent travel advisors (ITA's) are being asked to share their stories via video as part of a new campaign by ACTA asking Ottawa to renew pandemic support as travel recovery continues.
ACTA points out that ITA's have been without direct financial support since the end of the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) in October-- despite being among the hardest-hit entrepreneurs on a long road to recovery.
To pressure the government to renew its support of struggling advisors, ACTA is launching a new advocacy campaign, www.helpita.ca, which provides a platform for independent travel agents to record a video detailing their personal story - and why immediate financial support is necessary.
The organization says ITA videos will be shared widely on social media and with politicians in a national advocacy campaign, and it's calling on all ITA's to take part in advocating for themselves.
“ACTA continues to lobby and advocate for independent travel agent financial support, including with senior political and government officials,” said Wendy Paradis, ACTA President.
A detailed proposal, the Independent Travel Agent Relief Program (ITARP), was submitted to the federal government in late December and has since been under consideration.
“It is disappointing that financial support has not yet materialized, especially at a time of such dire need,” said Paradis.
She added: “Our continued engagement and lobbying of government continues and ACTA calls for immediate and equitable financial support for independent travel agents.”
