As Parliament recommences after the summer break, the travel industry is intensifying its political efforts. Trade bodies are implementing strategic initiatives to influence government priorities.
The sector is preparing for upcoming regulatory changes with the EU’s travel systems, aiming for a seamless transition for industry stakeholders and consumers alike.
Trade Bodies at Work
With the return of Parliament from the summer recess, trade bodies in the travel sector are quickly mobilising to engage with the government. Abta is actively collaborating with government departments to streamline communication regarding the upcoming European Union Entry Exit System (EES), set for a November rollout. Additionally, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) is on the horizon, scheduled for introduction by mid-2025. This proactive approach aims to ensure that both the industry and consumers are well-prepared for these significant regulatory changes.
Strategic Parliamentary Engagements
Abta is also working towards re-establishing the all-party Parliamentary group (APPG) focused on aviation, travel, and aerospace. This step is pivotal as it could facilitate informed discussions on policy matters that directly impact the travel sector. An important part of this initiative involves preparing a comprehensive Budget submission, highlighting the significance of the travel industry’s contribution to the economy. Abta’s director of public affairs, Luke Petherbridge, emphasised the criticality of such engagements. He expressed the association’s intent to argue how travel can bolster the government’s growth agenda and address key issues like youth mobility arrangements, business rates reform, and competitive Air Passenger Duty (APD).
Petherbridge noted that outreach efforts are being directed at MPs across various parties. This includes arranging meetings in Westminster as well as across constituencies, capitalising on the momentum of the upcoming party conferences. Abta’s participation extends to supporting events by the Sustainable Aviation coalition and attending the Labour Party Conference’s business day. This comprehensive strategy underscores the industry’s commitment to presenting a united front and advocating for policies that favour travel and tourism.
Industry Unity and Coalition Building
Collective effort is crucial. The travel industry’s ability to speak with one voice has never been more necessary. Petherbridge firmly believes in this collective approach, stating, “It’s important we work as an industry to put forward a collective voice.” The Future Travel Coalition partners are part of this synergy, having recently met post-election and planning further engagements to consolidate their strategies.
An industry-wide meeting is being organised by the UK Outbound Travel Group, orchestrated by entities such as The Advantage Travel Partnership, Aito, and Abtot. Scheduled for September 16 in London, this meeting aims to formulate and discuss a coherent set of policy initiatives, positioning the travel industry as a key driver of economic and social prosperity.
Advantage Travel Partnership’s chief executive, Julia Lo Bue-Said, highlighted the urgency of these efforts. She projected that approximately 30 executives would attend, with the goal of recruiting new members to the group. This move is to enhance the sector’s influence and amplify its economic contributions.
Opportunities with New Government
The formation of a new government presents fresh opportunities for the industry to reshape its narrative. Julia Lo Bue-Said stressed the importance of ensuring that ministers and policymakers fully understand how the outbound travel sector contributes to the UK’s economic growth. “We’re not just exporting people,” she clarified. “These travellers spend domestically before travelling abroad, adding value to the economy.”
Through strategic dialogues, the travel industry seeks to ensure decision-makers are not only aware but also supportive of policies that enhance travel and tourism’s role as an economic engine within the country.
Focus on Policy Advocacy
As part of the broader strategy to make the travel industry’s voice heard, policy advocacy remains a cornerstone. Abta’s determination to engage with multiple government departments and parliamentary groups sets the stage for impactful dialogue. The discussions aim to ensure the travel sector’s needs are considered in forthcoming legislative and policy decisions.
Alongside their efforts, a key focus remains on addressing immediate challenges. This includes tackling regulatory hurdles, advocating for competitive taxation regimes, and promoting sustainability within the industry. This dual approach of immediate problem-solving combined with long-term strategic planning reflects the maturity and resilience of the sector.
Sustainable Progress
The initiatives by Sustainable Aviation and Abta to engage with political leaders are crucial for fostering long-term sustainability in the travel industry. These engagements not only highlight the sector’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices but also push for policies that support sustainable growth.
Sustainability is not just an add-on but a core aspect of the industry’s future-focused agenda. The coalition’s conference events serve as platforms to advocate for green policies, which are essential for the sector’s longevity and profitability.
Conference Participation and Outcomes
Active involvement in major political and business conferences is part of the travel industry’s plan to maintain its prominence in policy discussions. By participating in such events, the sector aims to keep travel-related issues at the forefront of national discussions and ensure that policy developments reflect the industry’s priorities.
The Road Ahead
The travel industry’s proactive engagement with political processes marks a significant stride in securing its future. By prioritising policy advocacy and sustainable development, the sector aims to navigate the complexities of the current political landscape effectively.
The collective actions and strategic alliances formed during this period are anticipated to yield positive outcomes, reinforcing the travel sector’s position as an indispensable component of the economy.
The travel industry’s concerted political efforts underpin its aim for sustainable growth. Strategic engagements and collaborations highlight its pivotal role in the economy.
By aligning with government priorities, the sector is poised to navigate future challenges effectively, ensuring its continued contribution to economic prosperity.
