OPINION NEWS


Abta continues to promote the vital role that our members and the wider industry will play in delivering economic recovery for the UK


Government finger-pointing is a distraction from the job of supporting the industry’s recovery, says Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer


A


s I said at the time, I was utterly dismayed to see the government pointing the finger at the travel


industry for the recent travel issues without any acknowledgement of its own role and responsibility for bringing the sector to a halt and the challenges we now face. Such statements are a distraction


from the job that needs to be done – supporting the industry’s recovery and getting back to being world leaders for international travel. As the largest travel trade


association and recognised voice for the outbound travel sector across government, Abta continues to engage proactively to promote the vital role that our members and the wider industry will play in delivering economic recovery for the UK, as well as to influence the crucial policy developments that will determine the future shape of our industry. The Department for Transport’s


‘Flightpath to the future’ strategy sets out the priorities that will guide


10 16 JUNE 2022


policy across the aviation sector for the next decade, with major focuses on sustainability, consumer rights and skills. These type of policy matters are the bread and butter of Abta and what we do, and we’ll remain right at the heart of these important debates. These issues, among others, will form part of my conversation with the aviation minister when we next meet, which is due to be in the coming weeks. There are also Brexit implications


to contend with. Abta is working with other organisations to promote solutions that could help, at least partially, address some of the challenges that outbound travel businesses face; for example, proposing the extension of the existing Youth Mobility scheme to EU countries, which would enable businesses to more easily move staff into Europe.


COVID-19 INQUIRY To make sure that the travel industry’s views are considered, Abta was invited to be part of the official


Covid-19 inquiry, which was set up to examine the approach taken by policymakers during the crisis. The inquiry will take time, but we’ve already seen some success with the terms of reference of the inquiry taking on board our recommendation to factor in a more thorough examination of how government policies around travel impacted on businesses and workers in the sector. We also need to make sure the


industry has the most effective and efficient ways of working with government. Forums like the Tourism Industry Council (TIC), which Abta sits on, has an important role to play, but there is room for improvement in terms of cross-government recognition of the value of the sector, and I made that clear in my recent meeting with the tourism minister, Nigel Huddleston. I welcome the announcement of the new Aviation Council, which the DfT has recognised must work closely with the TIC to work effectively.


INDUSTRY COLLABORATION The progress made during the pandemic on cross-industry working has been excellent and a tribute to the ability of our industry to come together in times of need. I am particularly proud of the


central role Abta played, especially by bringing together organisations from across the organised travel industry within the Future Travel Coalition, but also by continuing to work collaboratively with the wider aviation, maritime, travel and tourism sector trade bodies, including the Future of Aviation Group, the Tourism Alliance and other shared lobbying activity and channels right across the UK. This work needs to continue, and


I look forward to welcoming leaders from across the sector to Abta’s annual Travel Matters event next week to discuss shared challenges and solutions. I, and all my colleagues at Abta,


are fully focused on ensuring the voice of the outbound travel is heard and understood at the heart of government.


travelweekly.co.uk


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