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ABTA UPDATE


Airport capacity an election issue


Later this month the UK Airports Commission, chaired by Sir Howard Davies, will close its consultation on the three shortlisted options for boosting airport capacity in the South-east. It will make its recommendations to the Government after 7 May. As the General Election approaches,


this issue will be increasingly in the spotlight, with industry leaders keen to see urgent action taken in the next parliament. ABTA will continue to contribute its views on the matter and will be keeping up the call for additional capacity to be a central issue for all the main political parties. Te Association believes it will


be vital for the country’s growth and competitiveness for additional runways to be given approval — and with advances in technology it will be important to show that any scheme to boost capacity will have a minimal effect on the environment. Despite very high-profile concerns


among some stakeholders, ABTA research shows growing support among consumers for an additional runway. In a survey released last autumn, 41% agreed more capacity was needed (up from 36% the previous year), while only 16% disagreed. Tere are positive signs the main


political parties recognise the need to take decisive action once the next parliament is in session. However, ABTA believes it’s vital the industry keeps up the pressure and continues to make the case that leisure, as well as business travel, needs this boost — with good passenger experience and good access to airports at the heart of plans. abta.com


Heathrow airport


Industry experiences early booking boost


A third of next summer’s holidays will be sold in January and February, with early bookers taking advantage of some of the industry’s best deals, according to ABTA. Last month saw strong early bookings,


with some Members reporting ‘exceptional’ days of trading, up by as much as 30-50% from the same period of 2014. Te situation is being aided by a favourable exchange rate against the euro, meaning those stocking up on currency for an imminent trip can make important savings. Tose booking early are making the


most of deals and discounts available, as well as the opportunity to ensure availability in popular resorts and destinations. Complimentary upgrades are also a common incentive, as are free child places, with some holiday companies offering as many as 20,000 free places for children. Cuts in Air Passenger Duty may have


also boosted bookings, with the tax being reduced for many longer haul destinations from 1 April and abolished for children under-12 from 1 May. Tis will cut £142 off a Florida family holiday for two adults and two children. ABTA has long argued an increase


in early bookings would benefit the industry. In the most recent stage of its Earlybird campaign last month, ABTA launched a new hub for holidaymakers — www.abta.com/earlybird — with advice on booking early. Members


also promoted their services and deals on Twitter (#ABTAearlybird), giving holidaymakers real time information on holiday offers. Mark Tanzer, ABTA’s chief executive,


said: “It’s very encouraging to see a strong start to the year. One outcome of the recent financial crisis is that consumers are savvier and so we’re not surprised to see that more people are booking early.” abta.com/earlybird


Last month saw strong early bookings, with some Members reporting ‘exceptional’ days of trading, up by as much as 30-50% from the same period last year


Josephides lands achievement award


ABTA’s chairman Noel Josephides was honoured at the Travel Weekly Globe Awards last month, receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award. Josephides has been a leading industry


figure for more than 40 years. As well as running tour operator Sunvil Holidays, he was chairman of AITO for many years, and is a founder member and chairman of Te Travel Foundation, the industry sustainability charity. On receiving the award, Josephides


said: “I thoroughly enjoy this industry, with all of its problems and all its changes. I’m passionate about protecting


10 ABTA Magazine February 2015


the small, independent player. People think now is a time of great change, but when you look back there has always been something happening. It’s a great industry to be in.” ABTA’s chief executive Mark Tanzer


added: “It would be hard to think of a more deserving candidate for an outstanding achievement award than Noel. He’s an exceptional, far-sighted individual, highly respected and well liked throughout the industry. I would like to extend congratulations to Noel on behalf of our Members, the ABTA Board and everyone at Park Street.”


countrybycountry.com


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