Lobbying Labour ‘won’t be easier’ Robin Murray


The leaders of the UK’s three biggest tour operators do not expect a change of government to solve the industry’s challenges in communicating with Westminster. Speaking at Travel Weekly’s


Future of Travel Conference, the bosses of Jet2, Tui and easyJet holidays shared their frustration at meeting with the current government to discuss the value of the sector and the hurdles facing it. But they said there was no


indication communication would be any easier should Labour win the next general election. Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy


said: “We try to speak to whoever we can [in government] but it’s very hard to get hold of these people; you have to wait weeks and then they just tend to nod and smile and not a lot happens.” When asked if he thought a


Labour government would be more understanding, Heapy said: “It’s very hard to get any indication of Labour’s policies. They haven’t really given an opinion on anything.” Garry Wilson, chief executive of


easyJet holidays, agreed, adding: “I don’t think there’s been a different view shared so far [by Labour].” Wilson told attendees lobbying


efforts should build on the value consumers place on holidays and the


Tui boss defends trade push as rival takes swipe


Robin Murray


Tui’s main rival has questioned the operator’s sincerity as it courts third-party agents, comparing the move to “a returning philanderer promising things will be different this time”. Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy


said the “proof will be in the pudding” when asked for his views on Tui’s decision at the Travel Weekly Future of Travel Conference. But Andrew Flintham, Tui’s


Northern Region managing director, 4 28 SEPTEMBER 2023


insisted its plans to increase trade engagement are long-term as he urged agents to “give us a go”. Flintham acknowledged some


agents would refuse to work with Tui after it slashed commission to 7% in 2005, but added he is hopeful successful partnerships will be built. Tui is currently negotiating new


commission rates for the trade. “All strategies evolve,” he said.


“What we’re doing is growing the overall size of our business. “There will be people who are


still angry over the decision in 2005


It’s very hard to get hold of [politicians]; you have to wait weeks and then they just tend to nod and smile and not a lot happens


need for the industry to be supported to provide them. “What consumers have showed us


through demand is that the holiday is sacrosanct and something they are not going to compromise,” he said. “These are the people voting


these politicians in, so that’s where the strength comes from.


“The lobbying has to happen,


but the consumers need to be representing us by saying they’re not going to put up with huge price increases or having one holiday every two years.” Andrew Flintham, Tui Northern


Region managing director, said the operator’s lobbying efforts too often ended in frustration. He said: “Some of the best


lobbying meetings I’ve had have finished with the person saying, ‘you do realise this is not within the control of our department?’ It’s a real challenge.” Labour currently leads in polls for


the next election, which will happen no later than January 28, 2025.


Andrew Flintham


to change the commission rate, and there will be some people who will never work with us again because of that, but I hope agents give us a go.” Flintham said Tui has “a lot of


great products that others don’t”, adding: “The proof will be in how we perform with [agents] and how they perform with us.” EasyJet holidays chief executive


Garry Wilson also highlighted the importance of agents, saying the trade was “without a doubt” to thank for the operator’s rapid growth. “I knew the channel would be


important, but we’ve been hugely supported, and that’s why we’re giving our partners the proper structure and support they need so we can sustainably grow our business and theirs,” he said. Heapy concurred, saying Jet2 was


“very happy to continue supporting independent agents and tour operators”. Barrhead Travel president


Jacqueline Dobson welcomed Tui’s move, adding: “We have a strong relationship with Tui. I think it’s positive for the industry.”


travelweekly.co.uk


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