The Australian Travel Careers Council (ATCC) has officially launched its long-awaited Travel Skills Taskforce (TST) Review of the Certificate III in Travel, signalling the beginning of a major industry-wide effort to modernise Australia’s entry-level travel training qualification.
Over the past fortnight, the ATCC hosted two intensive 90-minute briefings for prospective Taskforce members on 27 October and 6 November, marking the first step in what is set to be a comprehensive and collaborative review process.
Nearly 20 representatives from across the travel and tourism ecosystem — including AAT Kings, Amadeus, Avis Budget Group, CLIA, Corporate Travel Management, Cover-More, Expedia, Helloworld Business Travel, IATA, Magellan Travel Group, Magnatech, Phil Hoffmann Travel, Spencer Travel Group, The Placement Collective and TravelManagers Australia — participated in the sessions. They were joined by ATCC directors Barry Mayo, Dr David Beirman, and Jenny Lorkin, along with a TAFE NSW representative and two senior UTS academics.
Led by ATCC CEO Rick Myatt and Kellie Stanbury, Executive Officer for TST activities, participants were briefed on the urgent workforce challenges confronting the travel industry — particularly declining interest in travel careers and the limitations of a decade-old curriculum.
“This review must be a structured and inclusive process,” said Myatt. “Following these initial briefings, we’ll begin collecting input from all participants and extend invitations to additional industry sectors not yet involved, to ensure the new qualification truly reflects the needs of the modern travel industry.”
The briefings followed a presentation by Myatt to the Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) in Melbourne on 24 October, where the Taskforce’s objectives and strategy were warmly received.
The ATCC is now inviting broader industry participation to help shape the future of Australia’s travel qualifications. Those interested in contributing to the Travel Skills Taskforce Review of Certificate III in Travel can contact:
Rick Myatt – rhnmyatt@travelcareerscouncil.com.au
Kellie Stanbury – kellie.stanbury@travelctm.com.au
About the Australian Travel Careers Council (ATCC)
The Australian Travel Careers Council is a national not-for-profit organisation formed by travel and tourism professionals to promote rewarding and sustainable careers across the sector. Through initiatives including industry internships, traineeships, skills mapping, and training policy advice for the Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Package (SIT), the ATCC supports the growth, professionalisation, and long-term resilience of Australia’s travel workforce.
