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Without aid, there will be imminent closures and bankruptcies: ACTA
Independent advisors left “scrambling” in wake of new travel rules, says ACITA TORONTO — The Association of Canadian Independent Travel Advisors (ACITA) is “disappointed” with the lack of information provided by the federal government regarding its newly introduced travel rules. Announced by Prime Minister Trudeau on Jan. 29, the new travel rules were far more extensive than initially anticipated by the travel industry. “While we welcome a decision and were hoping for a detailed plan, we again find ourselves disappointed with the lack of information, as well as the thought processes that went into this decision making,” said Nancy Wilson, ACITA co-founder. Wilson added: “He opened his statement recognizing that only 2% of cases has been brought about by travel yet has again directed all his measures to protect Canadians from this virus by restricting travel. With only a cancellation of flights to Caribbean destinations, we feel this has not addressed the seriousness of the issues with community spread, or provided additional support to the provinces to get this spread under control, where the majority of the issues are, not to mention that the majority of critical issues with this virus are not originating in Caribbean destinations.” Despite the lack of detailed information, said Wilson, the seriousness of the new measures will hopefully bring 12 | TRAVELWEEK | February 4, 2021
a newfound sense of urgency for sector aid, specifically for travel advisors. “Airline staff and all related sectors are now in critical need for support to survive,” she said. “While they recognized airlines will need aid, no announcements on that leaves us again scrambling and concerned for the future of businesses.
“We feel this has not addressed the seriousness of the issues with community spread, or provided additional support to the provinces to get this spread under control.” “Independent advisors as well as travel advisors in storefront agencies and travel agency owners are at a greater risk today of shutting their doors for good, and the work we have ahead of us is paramount to ensure we can limit those closures as much as possible.” Wilson did note one encouraging development: for the first time, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra made mention of travel agents in relation to sector aid during a press briefing on Jan. 29. “We will look at this as a positive step forward and as an opportunity to further dialogue on the urgent need for commission protection with any bailout packages,” added Wilson.
TORONTO — ACTA issued a statement on Jan. 29 in the wake of the new travel restrictions announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “The news of earlier today with respect to the suspension of flying to the Caribbean and Mexico as well as significant related restrictions is absolutely devastating for all sectors within the travel industry – from airlines to hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, travel agents, independent contractors and all other businesses that rely on tourism,” said Wendy Paradis, President, ACTA. Paradis said ACTA is sounding the alarm for travel agents and travel agencies following the federal government’s announcement that Canada’s major airlines have agreed to suspend all flights to the Caribbean and Mexico until April 30. “Without enhanced and urgent aid, and protection against commission recall there will be imminent business closures and bankruptcies among travel agencies and independent contractors – as we have been warning the federal government,” said Paradis. “However, as we have been stating for months to the federal government, travel agencies and travel agents cannot survive the brunt of about $200 million in recall commission on cancelled and refunded bookings related to the COVID-19 crisis,” she added. Paradis said: “ACTA reinforced the impact of these latest travel restrictions to the federal government again today and reinforced our message that any aid given to an airline or tour operator MUST include funding to cover travel agent recall commissions, and for a FUND to cover past bookings already recalled.” Paradis said that while, of course, ACTA understands the importance of protecting the health of Canadians, the impact of the new measures of suspended flights, new testing on arrival on top of the pre-boarding testing, mandatory hotel quarantines and other initiatives will further delay any meaningful recovery for the entire industry. “We require immediate and focused discussions with the government to ensure not only the safety of Canadi-
