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Chris Mottershead (right), Thomas Cook, speaking at a
WTM panel debate moderated by Seamus Kearney, Euronews
‘APD and free movement are our key Brexit issues’
TRAVEL LEADERS DISCUSS TOPICS THE INDUSTRY SHOULD LOBBY ABOUT DURING BREXIT TALKS. LEE HAYHURST REPORTS FROM WTMINLONDON
Retaining free movement of people and the chance to press the case for the abolition of Air Passenger Duty are the key issues for travel following the UK’s vote to leave the EU.
A debate on Brexit at World
Travel Market on Monday heard from industry leaders who said although the country was entering unknown territory it must take a ‘business as usual’ approach. Thomas Cook UK and Ireland managing director Chris Mottershead said: “From a business point of view it’s business
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travelweekly.co.uk 10 November 2016
as normal because we are not clear on any timelines or final decisions. We have to continue in the belief that the best will come from it.” Asked what his main message
to government would be, Mottershead said: “We are all aligned that APD has to be removed. That will stimulate more travel into the UK and also provide better prices for people who want to travel outside of the country.” He added: “It is very important
that we engage fully with all governmental bodies to help them understand the implications of
decisions they will make. And this is happening now.” Monarch Group chief executive
Andrew Swaffield said the key question for the travel sector resulting from Brexit was about whether free movement of people would continue. “We need to get that clarity
quickly because it almost answers all the other questions. For me, the whole thing hinges on free movement of people.” Swaffield said without free
movement of people it was questionable whether the UK, and in particular London, could sustain its hospitality industry but, if kept, he was optimistic a liberal approach to air travel within
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