The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has launched a new survey for members as it looks to solve a recruitment, skills and workforce puzzle in the travel sector.
ATIA CEO Dean Long says participation in the “Skills and Workforce Survey” will go a long way in addressing current staffing challenges facing the sector as well as ensuring the industry’s prosperity.
“ATIA calls on all industry participants facing recruitment or training challenges to contribute their valuable insights,” he says.
“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 members can share their views in the Skills and Workforce Survey.
Capital calling
As ATIA tackles workforce challenges, ATIA CEO Dean Long and Head of Policy Ingrid Fraser are in Canberra this week to also advocate for increased competition in the airline sector.
In a nutshell, the association wants to reform the airport slot allocation system to make more room for flights and discourage cancellations.
Recent ATIA research revealed that the tourism industry faced a potential $405 million hit every year if five per cent fewer people travelled through Australia’s top ten airports because of cancelled flights.
Whilst in Canberra, Long and Fraser will meet with key ministers and departments including the offices of the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Tourism, and Assistant Minister for Competition as well as other members of parliament.
They will also meet with the Australian Border Force and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade including the Passport Office to talk about ways to enhance the traveller experience.
“ATIA’s effective advocacy has already yielded significant wins, notably the inclusion of “Travel Consultants” in the Apprenticeship Priority List 2024,” Long says.
“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.”
Last week, ATIA released details of an advocacy checklist that covers resources, training and support measures that apply to all members as part of its 2024-25 pre-budget submission to the Federal Government.
