AusLeisure

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has achieved a significant win, with the inclusion of Travel Consultants, Travel Agency Managers and Tour Guides as eligible occupations for skilled migration on the Federal Government’s Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

These inclusions mark a significant milestone for Australia’s travel industry. Until now, Travel Consultants and Tour Guides were excluded from skilled migration pathways, while Travel Agency Managers were restricted to regional roles. The updated list reflects the urgent need for workforce solutions across the sector.

ATIA has long championed skilled-migration reforms to address critical labour shortages in Travel. The inclusion of these roles follows sustained advocacy from ATIA, including engagement with Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) to ensure the occupations were acknowledged as in demand. Our comprehensive submission to the Government’s consultation on the CSOL highlighted the indispensable role of skilled migration in sustaining the industry’s workforce alongside domestic training initiatives.

ATIA’s inaugural Skills & Workforce Survey provided vital evidence of the sector’s needs, and next year’s survey will continue to build this robust data. Members will be asked for their input in the New Year to ensure our industry’s voice remains strong.

The updated CSOL will apply to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa and the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa, launching on 7th December.

ATIA Director of Public Policy and Adocacy Ingrid Fraser noted “this is a landmark achievement for Australia’s travel industry. It recognises the critical skills shortage we face and offers a practical solution to help meet demand, alongside the important work we’re doing to train Australians locally.

“ATIA’s consistent advocacy has delivered this outcome, and we will continue working to ensure members have the information and support they need to navigate these changes.

“We are committed to fostering a skilled and sustainable workforce that supports the growth of the Australian travel sector.”

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