ABTA Focused on Delivery As New UK Government Comes to Power

In Brief: ABTA, represented by Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge, is prioritizing engagement with the incoming UK government to ensure that the travel and hospitality sectors’ interests are addressed in forthcoming policy and regulatory decisions.

ABTA focused on delivery as new government comes to power – Image Credit ABTA

I realised the other day that my daughter, who has just turned four years old, has seen five Prime Ministers – even though she’s only been around for one General Election. By comparison, I was 22 when the fifth PM of my lifetime was elected.

So, I agree with the new PM, Andy Burnham, when he says the country could do with a period of stability. Regardless of your own political persuasion, it is generally accepted that stability goes a long way to creating an environment attractive to inward investment and prosperity. At a time when the UK desperately needs to see an uptick in economic performance, we should all hope the new administration succeeds in providing it.

From a travel industry perspective, early engagement with the new Cabinet and ministers will be essential, with the industry facing serious challenges from the ongoing Middle East situation, which is increasing the cost of living and reducing consumer confidence and spend. ABTA has already started contacting them directly over the coming days, and it’s welcome that some industry supporters – such as the Transport Secretary – have remained in place.

The early focus of this government on cost-of-living issues for people is very welcome, but we also need to see a parallel and equally keen focus on tackling the competitiveness challenges facing businesses. If the country is to see improved economic conditions, businesses – as well as individuals – must be provided with breathing space.

That will be an important focus of our early engagements with the new administration. There is a need for recognition from policymakers that we’ve reached a tipping point, where the regulatory and taxation burdens placed upon businesses, including travel businesses, risks strangling economic activity.

Elsewhere, ABTA will continue to engage across government on the topics that really matter to members. Our focus, as ever, will be on achieving practical wins.

Our efforts over the coming months will include seeking to shape forthcoming guidance on the PTRs – ensuring it is accessible and useful for businesses, influencing ATOL changes, supporting the industry’s decarbonisation efforts whilst stressing the need to keep travel affordable, and engaging with educational reforms – which will deliver new courses and entry pathways to our sector.

Priorities also include mitigating risks from the EU’s Entry Exit System and supporting a UK-EU Youth Experience Scheme ahead of an expected summit this autumn. We will also be preparing for the Autumn Budget, working with members and partners to make sure our industry’s asks are heard and understood.

On this, our message here is clear – travel is an economic driver; we can support the government’s objective of boosting growth. We also know, with holidays remaining a priority in terms of discretionary spending, there are few votes to be gained in further increasing the cost of people’s hard-earned break.