The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has outlined ongoing lobbying efforts to coincide with Andy Burnham and his government coming to power this week. ABTA is the UK’s largest travel trade body and is a powerful trade association that represents the tourism industry.  

This new wave of lobbying comes after discussions that have been held with more than 250 parliamentarians over the past 12 months including Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds. They also have had contact with Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Nigel Huddleston. In the past parliamentary year ABTA saw nearly 100 politicians and delivered briefings to a further 160.  

“ABTA wants to highlight the value of outbound travel so that it is recognised in the development of future policies.”

ABTA is organising member visits with MPs over the summer followed by a reception at the Labour Party conference in September. They are aiming to build relationships with new government ministers and their advisors. ABTA wants to highlight the value of outbound travel so that it is recognised in the development of future policies.  

ABTA Public affairs director Luke Petherbridge said: “Real influence comes when there is a balanced and sustained public affairs programme, where we communicate the needs of ABTAmembers and the value of the outbound tourism sector to ministers, MPs and Lords, as well as civil servants, advisors and other policy influencers.  

“As the UK’s next prime minister starts his work, we will continue ours, communicating to government the best policy environment in which our industry can thrive, and contribute to the UK’s economic growth.” 

Issues that ABTA are raising with the government include a review of the Package Travel Regulations, a new tourism growth strategy, the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES), legislation on sustainable aviation fuels, and the English visitor levy. ABTA was a pioneer in securing government support for the UK-EU youth mobility agreement. 

ABTA is a powerful trade association for the travel industry and has been running for over 75 years. It has over 3,500 travel brands in membership which together have a combined annual UK turnover of over £41 billion. ABTA members have to sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading.  

Speaking before Burnham officially came into power, Petherbridge discussed his views on what should be Burnham’s priorities. He said: “An immediate priority needs to be looking at the continuation of improved ties with Europe. We’ve seen significant progress under this government in addressing some of travel’s post-Brexit barriers. We’re hopeful we could soon see a system where young people can more easily work in the EU, and vice-versa, through the proposed youth experience scheme which would be a big boost to outbound and inbound travel businesses. 

“We’ve been pushing for this for a long time, and it was hoped that the UK-EU summit in July would have cemented that deal. However, this is being postponed until a new prime minister is in post. We need that reinstated as soon as possible in order to discuss this and other important issues, including an agreement on mutual recognition of professional qualifications, making school and group travel easier, and cooperation on e-visa regimes.” 

Petherbridge also highlighted potential issues that the travel industry might face in the coming years. He said: “Independent research commissioned by ABTA forecasts that outbound travel sector can grow by 20% by 2030 but we need the right environment to do that. 

“At the moment, the industry faces serious competitiveness challenges tied to taxation and decarbonisation costs – and the latter must be delivered in a balanced way that keeps flying affordable, ensuring overseas holidays remain accessible to all and not the preserve of the wealthy.   

If you are a small to medium-sized travel business with a high street presence, it has not been an easy time. The removal of business rates support has meant higher costs, along with increased National Insurance premiums and minimum wages, it’sbeen a tricky environment in which to operate.”