The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has reaffirmed its commitment to a member-first approach, ensuring travel advisors and industry professionals have a strong voice across all levels of engagement.
From policy advocacy to accreditation and everyday support, ATIA’s work is directly shaped by member input to deliver practical, measurable results.
From its high-impact COVID-era advocacy to recent wins on surcharging and airline competition, ATIA has consistently prioritised tangible outcomes that benefit members across all sectors of the travel industry.
Multiple channels for support and input
ATIA provides several avenues for members to share their needs and receive tailored assistance:
- Board-level representation for every membership category
- Regular Pulse Meetings addressing key issues like ADMs, cruise developments, air refund policies and workforce reform
- Direct engagement via calls, emails and briefings
- Member webinars covering industry changes from legislation to tech and workforce strategy
- Industry-wide collaboration via platforms such as the National Travel Industry Awards and Beyond Borders
Recent advocacy wins led by members
ATIA’s strong advocacy outcomes include:
- Ensuring travel advisors were excluded from the Aviation Industry Ombudsman Scheme
- Advocating for the Aviation Customer Rights Charter
- Driving airline competition through route access and slot reform
- Maintaining incentives for travel traineeships and pushing for migration list inclusion
- Supporting smarter borders and modernised passport processes
- Defending the right to surcharge to protect small business viability
A membership model built on results
ATIA’s ongoing success is anchored in its collaborative model. According to CEO Dean Long, “ATIA’s work is always done with our members, not just for them. From sub-committees to working groups to our NTIA custodians, members’ voices are central to shaping what we do every single day.”
“Our members set ATIA’s agenda. From one-on-one engagement and daily support, through to Pulse meetings and Board-level representation, ATIA is built on listening to members and delivering outcomes that matter to them.”
“The proof is in the pudding. Our advocacy record from airline competition and surcharging, to workforce reforms and traveller facilitation shows how member input is turned into real results for travel advisors and the entire industry.”
