With election campaigns in full swing, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is calling on members to make their voices heard.
With the Federal Election set for 3 May, ATIA has launched an Election Portal to help members advocate for policies that will shape the future of the travel industry.
The digital hub, now live on ATIA’s website, provides customisable toolkits and electorate-specific messaging to highlight the travel sector’s contribution to local economies.
This initiative follows ATIA’s pandemic-era advocacy, which helped secure $270 million in industry support. With 92% of ATIA members being small businesses, the association is urging its network to take action.
The new portal includes:
- A step-by-step guide on meeting with local MPs
- Electorate-specific fact sheets, with a focus on marginal seats
- Key talking points for a clear, consistent message
- A follow-up email template to reinforce industry priorities
- A post-meeting checklist to track advocacy efforts
In March, the association revealed its three key election priorities, including:
- Championing accredited travel agents – pushing for a national consumer awareness campaign and ensuring policy settings support their role in tourism.
- Stronger airline competition – advocating for ongoing ACCC oversight to maintain fair pricing and service quality.
- A long-term workforce strategy – securing traineeship incentives and aligned federal and state support for industry training.
Mobilising members
“With the federal election underway, we need every decision-maker to understand the economic importance of the travel industry and the direct impact their policies have on businesses and consumers alike. Our asks deliver for travelling Australians as well as the travel sector,” ATIA CEO Dean Long says.
“Our advocacy efforts during COVID directly secured $270 million in support for travel businesses – support at a level which no other sector received. Now, we are using the same proven strategy – mobilising our members at a local level including in key marginal seats to ensure that travel industry priorities are front and centre in this election.
“Our campaign gives members everything they need to strategically engage with their local MPs and candidates , in line with ATIA’s national advocacy. By bringing local voices to the table, we reinforce the urgency of policies that promote accredited travel businesses, improve airline competition, and strengthen workforce sustainability.
“Our sector contributes $69 billion to the economy and directly supports tens of thousands of Australian businesses—the time for action is now.”
ATIA urges members to visit the Election Portal to get involved. Visit ATIA’s Election Hub to get started.
