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ATIA Seeks Member Input to Shape Workforce Development Strategy

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has launched the “Skills and Workforce Survey” to gather comprehensive insights from members.

The research is part of a crucial initiative to address recruitment, skills, and workforce challenges in the travel sector. To share your views: Skills and Workforce Survey

ATIA CEO Dean Long and Head of Policy Ingrid Fraser are in Canberra this week as Parliament resumes for meetings with key ministers and departments.

In addition to measures to address the Skills and Workforce shortages, ATIA is continuing the push for more competition in the Aviation sector through reform of the airport slot allocation system to increase capacity and discourage cancellations. ATIA’s recently released report found just a 5% fall in travellers as a result of flight cancellations translated into an estimated $405 million loss in domestic tourism revenues.

Meetings are happening with the offices of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Tourism, and Assistant Minister for Competition as well as other Members of Parliament. Dean and Ingrid are also meeting with the Australian Border Force, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade including the Passport Office to discuss improvements to the traveller experience.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATIA CEO Dean Long:

“ATIA calls on all industry participants facing recruitment or training challenges to contribute their valuable insights. Your participation in the survey is crucial in maintaining our recent successes and shaping an effective workforce strategy for the travel industry.”

“The insights gathered from this survey will be instrumental in representing the travel industry's interests and ensuring that the sector is equipped with a skilled workforce, ready to meet current and future challenges.”

“This survey is a pivotal step in advocating for governmental support and programs, specifically targeted towards enhancing job opportunities within the travel industry. ATIA's effective advocacy has already yielded significant wins, notably the inclusion of "Travel Consultants" in the Apprenticeship Priority List 2024. This inclusion ensures continued Employer Incentive Support for training programs ranging from Certificate III in Travel to Advanced Diploma of Tourism and Travel Management.”

“With Parliament back for the first sitting this year, it’s important that ATIA is in Canberra reinforcing the areas for change and improvement that support a healthy and thriving Travel Industry on behalf of our members.”