Abta calls on Tory leadership candidates to ensure ‘prosperous’ future for industry

Abta has written to the two Conservative leadership candidates to outline what is needed to support the UK travel industry through its recovery from the pandemic, and to ensure a “prosperous future” for the sector.

The association said the letter, which was sent to MPs Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, explained the value of the travel sector to the UK economy and its role in supporting jobs as a driver of growth.

It said it is “essential” for travel industry leaders, ministers and officials to maintain an ongoing dialogue in order to “grasp the opportunities that lie ahead for both the industry and the wider economy”.

More: Abta chief defends hike in members’ subscriptions

The association went on to call for clear ministerial responsibility to bring together the “various strands of policy that affect international travel”, which it said fall across several government departments.

Additionally, investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and delivery of airspace modernisation were called for as priorities, to fall in line with the Department for Transport’s Jet Zero Strategy, as well matters relating to the UK’s departure from the EU, including labour mobility challenges.

The letter was sent by Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer (pictured), who said: “The current travel landscape shows just how important it is that Abta continues to impress on all politicians the value of the UK’s international travel industry to the UK economy.

“The political changes present an opportunity to reiterate what we need from this government to ensure a prosperous and sustainable industry, and how we need to work together to achieve this.

“Our engagement with the candidates for prime minister builds on our ongoing work with government, including recent meetings with ministers and our work with officials and MPs from across all parties.”