The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has underlined its commitment to ensuring the voices of members remain central to everything it does, from policy advocacy to accreditation and tailored industry support.
From standing alongside members during COVID and helping secure critical government support, to today’s policy battles and industry reforms, ATIA says its focus is on delivering real, practical outcomes that matter to travel businesses.
“ATIA’s work is always done with our members, not just for them,” said CEO Dean Long. “From sub-committees to working groups to our NTIA custodians, members’ voices are central to shaping what we do every single day.”
Built on listening
ATIA highlights that its agenda is shaped directly by its members, with multiple avenues for engagement and representation. These include:
- Board-level representation: Each membership category has formal representation at the ATIA Board, ensuring their priorities are embedded in decision-making.
- Pulse Meetings: The most recent sessions attracted strong member participation, helping shape ATIA’s advocacy on issues such as the RBA surcharge ban, workforce training reforms, and challenges in cruise and air.
- Direct engagement: Members’ concerns are addressed daily through calls, emails, briefings and tailored advice.
- Webinars and updates: Covering regulatory and legislative changes, from small business regulation and insurance to modern slavery and workforce reforms.
- Community platforms: Flagship events such as the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIA) and Beyond Borders celebrate excellence and elevate industry voices.
Turning voices into outcomes
ATIA points to recent advocacy wins as evidence of how member input drives results. These include:
- Excluding travel advisors from the Aviation Industry Ombudsman Scheme, protecting them from extra costs and liability.
- Advocating for an Aviation Customer Rights Charter to strengthen consumer protections and fair treatment of advisors.
- Pushing for greater airline competition through reforms to route access and slot management, supported by research from former Qantas Chief Economist Tony Webber.
- Workforce initiatives such as securing travel occupations on the migration list, maintaining traineeship incentives, and launching The Travel Gap to attract new entrants.
- Supporting traveller facilitation through passport modernisation and smarter borders.
Currently, ATIA is campaigning to defend members’ right to retain surcharging, arguing it is essential for protecting small businesses from unfair payment costs.
“Our members set ATIA’s agenda,” said Long. “The proof is in the pudding. From airline competition and surcharging, to workforce reforms and traveller facilitation, our advocacy record shows how member input is turned into real results.”
He added: “Our accreditation program, tailored support streams and powerful advocacy ensure members are backed with the tools, recognition and representation they need to thrive.”
