Abta subs increase by average 3% Ian Taylor


Abta has informed members of a 3% overall rise in annual subscriptions from July 1, although some members’ payments may rise by more than this and some by less depending on their revenue. An Abta spokesperson explained:


“Everyone pays the same minimum amount. Those whose turnover is more than this base level pay an additional amount proportionately as turnover increases.” Additional fees apply


depending on a member’s mix of turnover – as a retail agent, principal or airline ticket agent. Both the minimum and


additional fee levels have risen by 3%. This follows a 2% increase for


the 2025-26 financial year now ending. However, subscriptions rose 7% for 2024-25 when Abta reverted to applying rates broadly in line with members’ turnover. Abta declined to share details of its


subscription rates, saying: “We share those with current and applicant members, with detail relating to their specific circumstances.” Any member unclear about their


subscription increase is advised to get in contact with the association. The latest increase is in line


with current inflation, which dipped to 2.8% in May, down from 3.8% last July, but is below the 4% rate forecast for later this year. The spokesperson said: “The


Abta board, primarily comprising Abta members, agreed a 3% increase


Next PM ‘needs to have clear focus on economic growth‘


Ian Taylor


Industry leaders called for a “smooth transition” and a “clear focus” on economic growth from an incoming prime minister after Keir Starmer resigned on Monday. He appears likely to be replaced


as PM by new Makerfield MP and former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham – possibly by mid-July, if not by September 1. Abta director of public affairs


Luke Petherbridge said the reshaped government’s focus “must be on setting the policy and taxation conditions that enable businesses


6 25 JUNE 2026


to deliver growth”, insisting “travel has a valuable role to play in that”. Advantage Travel Partnership


chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said, speaking on behalf of the Outbound Travel Group, said: “The country needs a smooth transition and a clear focus on growth. The businesses we represent, many of them SMEs, need policy certainty and a clear economic strategy that enables them to invest, grow and create jobs.” That view was echoed by


Katharina Peck, group commercial director at The Travel Network Group, who said: “Our members want a stable environment in which


The Abta brand


continues to be both a significant badge of confidence and a sales driver


as the right amount to allow the continued delivery of the service members want. This level has been minimised by careful cost control. “As last year, each member’s


subscription is based on their recent turnover. This means some may see an increase of more than 3%, others an increase of less than 3% or a reduction compared with last year, depending on how their turnover has changed.” The spokesperson added: “The


Westminster


Abta brand is increasingly strong and continues to be both a significant badge of confidence and a sales driver, with 89% of people saying they would prefer to book with an Abta member than a non-member, 75% saying they only trust travel companies that are members of Abta, and 54% saying they would pay more for a holiday with an Abta member than a non-member.” Abta said it would continue to


focus on member priorities “such as the impact of the Iran conflict, the implementation of EES, sustainability, and education and training, alongside Abta’s ongoing work, which includes legal advice and support, government lobbying, destination updates and liaison, financial protection and crisis management.”


they can invest [and] grow.” Petherbridge highlighted the


government’s “growing and explicit recognition of the significance of outbound travel over the last couple of years”, saying: “We saw that from the tourism minister [Stephanie Peacock] in her address at Abta’s Travel Matters. She recognised the value of the sector and the role it plays. These are points Abta has spent years engaging in.” But Petherbridge added: “The


UK-EU summit, slated for July, is likely to be postponed [and] we want the new prime minister to convene this as soon as possible. There are critical issues to be discussed such


as the youth experience scheme.” He said Abta “will pick up


conversations with any new minister responsible for the Package Travel Regulations, the consular network, and Atol and aviation consumer protection issues” and maintain “the strong connections we have with officials” on the EU Entry/ Exit System and Middle East. However, he noted: “A lot of


the interactions with government are led by officials, which is where our years of engagement and relationship-building come to the


fore. Those officials remain in place.” i Analysis, back page


travelweekly.co.uk


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