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role that travel and tourism can play in the UK’s economic recovery. LEE HAYHURST reports COMMENT
ABTA CLAIMS TO HAVE MADE HEADWAY IN PROVING TRAVEL’S VALUE TO WHITEHALL
A study commissioned by Abta has highlighted the diverse, inclusive and accessible nature of travel. The research, conducted
by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, builds on a Deloitte report last year that found the sector was the UK’s fifth-largest and employed 3.1 million people – nearly 10% of the UK workforce.
Contribution of 9%
travel and tourism to the UK’s
GDP (£127bn a year)
The industry has also created a third of all new employment since 2010. The CEBR study’s findings included: More than a third of all workers in the industry are aged under 30;
The proportion of self-employed workers exceeds that of the wider economy;
With almost double the number of part-time jobs compared with the wider economy, travel offers flexible roles, said to be ideal for students, those in training and young people;
Apprenticeships are valued, with the transport sector in particular providing considerably more (14%) than the wider economy (10%);
The sector caters for all skills levels, with 8% of workers having no qualifications but 20% educated to at least degree level; and
Women make up 51.4% of the industry workforce. Abta director Richard Downs, who is also
chief executive of
Iglu.com, said: “What we have here is a world-leading industry and we need to get the sustained attention of the government of the day so that political support is a non-political issue.” He added that Abta “was on a journey” and had made headway in persuading the government of the overall value of the industry.
Downs highlighted easyJet as a great
example of a successful domestic travel firm associated with the outbound sector that is generating significant tax revenues for the exchequer. “Abta has achieved a voice, but as always, there is more we can do,” said Downs.
ABTA’S FIVE KEY DEMANDS
Act urgently to boost airport capacity once the Airports Commission delivers its recommendations
Reform and reduce APD to ensure the UK is a more competitive place to invest in, trade with and visit
Invest in infrastructure across all transport modes, enhancing surface access and connectivity, while improving services for passengers and businesses
Embed a cohesive approach to tourism policy in support
of the UK’s mix of outbound, inbound and domestic travel and tourism businesses
About 60 MPs and peers attend Abta’s manifesto launch in the Houses of Parliament
TOURISM MUST BE A PRIORITY FOR THE
NEXT GOVERNMENT Politically and economically, we are coming to a critical juncture. All political parties are gearing up to take their case to the public. Westminster’s policy gurus have begun drafting party manifestos. Their promises are not being thought up in isolation; they are being consulted on widely, in conversation with voters and industries. So now is the time to ensure our voice is heard. Our country’s vibrant mix of outbound, inbound and domestic travel and tourism businesses is a success story of which to be proud. As the UK’s fifth-largest industry, the capacity
to create and sustain meaningful employment opportunities is unparalleled. We should also remind politicians that jobs in
travel and tourism are going to more women and young people than in other sectors. Our sector has some of the best levels of engagement in apprenticeships, offers excellent flexible working practices, and attracts a significant number of entrepreneurs. If we are to grow our businesses
and create jobs, neither we nor the government can be complacent. The next government will have a full in-tray. Our job is to make sure the travel and tourism files are at the top of the pile. Mark Tanzer, chief executive, Abta
173,000
Jobs created in tourism between 2010 and 2012 – a third of the UK’s total
Ensure completion of consumer protection reforms
to provide coherent protection for the travelling public and a balanced regulatory
environment for UK businesses
24 July 2014 —
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