Abta has launched a survey seeking industry input on new Level 3 college courses following government defunding.
- The government plans to defund all Level 3 travel and tourism courses in English colleges by 2026.
- Abta established the Tourism Industry Skills Working Group to develop alternative training options.
- The survey aims to gather industry views to shape future courses starting in 2026.
- Industry experts are encouraged to contribute to ensure courses meet sector needs.
The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) has initiated a survey to procure insights and feedback from its members as well as the broader travel industry. This endeavour is directed towards the formulation of new Level 3 college courses for students aspiring to build careers in travel, following governmental decisions to withdraw funding from existing courses by September 2026. The defunding is part of a wider reform to replace current Level 3 qualifications in England.
In light of these developments, Abta established the Tourism Industry Skills Working Group, engaging a consortium of organisations from across the travel sector. This collaborative effort includes educational representatives, course leaders in travel and tourism, and awarding organisations. Their mission is to discuss and design alternative training options aimed at attracting young talent to the industry.
The group has identified a pathway to secure approval for these new courses, scheduling multiple meetings and workshops to consult industry stakeholders regarding desirable course content. Industry experts in human resources, education, and training are invited to participate in the final design stages, contributing their expertise to ensure the courses align with industry needs and expectations.
Feedback solicited through the survey will be shared with relevant awarding bodies. This data will assist in developing the new courses, which are slated to commence in September 2026, contingent upon their approval in June of that year. The structure and content of these courses will be critical in equipping a new generation of professionals for the travel industry.
Luke Petherbridge, Abta’s director of public affairs, emphasised, “Abta has collaborated extensively with industry partners and educational specialists to craft a viable solution to the imminent defunding. The touristic sector’s continual allure for young professionals depends heavily on shaping educational pathways that resonate with industry demands.”
Securing wide-ranging industry input is pivotal to the successful implementation of new educational courses.
