ATIA welcomes Federal Government’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report

While the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has welcomed the release this week of the Federal Government’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report, ATIA maintain that excluding the actions taken by States and Territories during the pandemic from the review was a missed opportunity.

ATIA highlight that the significant effects of repeated border closures across Australia underscore the importance of a clear delineation of responsibilities between federal, state, and territory governments to ensure a coordinated response in future crises.

The Federal Government’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report presents critical recommendations to strengthen Australia’s resilience and preparedness for future pandemics.

ATIA actively participated in the inquiry, submitting a detailed report that outlined the tourism industry’s challenges during COVID-19, including limitations experienced with the $270 million Consumer Travel Support Grant (CTSG).

The Inquiry Report recognises ATIA’s submission and highlights the need for a refined understanding of industry profiles to improve crisis response and support key sectors like tourism. The report also underscores the importance of ensuring that future pandemic responses remain proportionate and adaptable to changing conditions. While international border closures may still be considered, the report supports a balanced approach that weighs health, economic, and social impacts.

ATIA looks forward to working closely with the Federal Government to refine crisis planning for the travel industry, aiming to build frameworks that are streamlined, scalable, and supportive of the critical role travel businesses play in Australia’s economy.

ATIA Chief Executive Dean Long notes “It’s positive that the panel has recognised ATIA’s submission and included it in its entirely. The CTSG was a critical program that supported our industry in our moment of need, but it was made significantly harder by the processes used by the Department.

“ATIA’s position remains firm that excluding the actions taken by States and Territories during the pandemic from the review was a missed opportunity. The open-shut nature of state borders created significant disruption for travellers and the travel industry. We welcome the Inquiry’s call for clearer delineation of responsibilities across government levels, which will be essential in delivering a streamlined and effective response in future crises.”

“ATIA is committed to working alongside the Government to strengthen its understanding of the travel sector’s needs and to ensure future plans are better equipped to support our industry. We look forward to helping shape a framework that is scalable, adaptable, and reflective of the critical role travel plays in the Australian economy.”

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s $69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs.

An impressive 92% of ATIA members are small businesses, with women making up 72% of the workforce.

ATIA administers the ATIA Accredited program, which is the largest and most representative accreditation scheme for travel businesses in Australia. ATIA represents over 1,120 ATAS members and over 28,000 employees nationwide, directly supporting 16.98 million Australian travellers every year.

Access Federal Government’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry Report