Convened by ABTA – The Travel Association, the Save Future Travel Coalition has written to HM Treasury and other relevant Departments with a joint Budget submission outlining the group’s calls for tailored support.
The letter, signed by the leaders of ABTA, Advantage Travel Partnership, AITO, ATAS, the BTA, the SPAA, SBiT, the Travel Network Group and UKinbound, highlights the strategic and economic importance of both outbound and inbound travel, and the serious situation that businesses face.
Setting out a plan to save future travel, which includes changes to quarantine policy, the introduction of testing and the granting of an APD holiday, the coalition explains that with the right policy and regulatory support the Government can save jobs and ensure the viability of the UK’s travel industry.
Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at ABTA – The Travel Association said: “Through the Save Future Travel Coalition, we are uniting behind common asks and seeking to amplify the voice of travel. Our message is clear, travel is a critical strategic sector for the entire UK economy, which underpins the air routes and other transport links that are vital for the UK’s global trade. Failure to support the travel sector will setback the UK’s economic recovery, and it’s vital the Government acts quickly to support businesses and retain jobs.”
Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership said: “Using our collective strength is key as we approach government ahead of the budget. This is a key milestone in the parliamentary calendar and this year more than ever timing and speed is critical if we are going to save future travel, jobs and businesses.”
Joanne Dooey, President, The SPAA said: “The travel industry is in desperate need of an urgent and tailored support package to enable its survival. Working in collaboration with our partner organisations gives us a forceful combined voice which the government must listen to and act upon.”
According to ABTA spokesperson: “Every country, mainland or island that is taken off the Government’s travel lists lessens the ability of travel businesses to operate and increases the necessity for the Government to provide tailored industry support.
“There are travel agents and tour operators based in every region of the UK that are viable businesses, which are unable to trade because of the measures to control the pandemic, and tens of thousands of livelihoods are at risk until we are able to move beyond widespread travel restrictions.
“As part of the Save Future Travel Coalition, ABTA has today written to the Chancellor, alongside other travel associations, setting out its suggested plan to help, which includes changes to quarantine policy, the introduction of testing and the granting of an APD holiday. It explains that with the right policy and regulatory support the Government can save jobs and ensure the viability of the UK’s travel industry.”
Tags: Travel Associations, U.K., ABTA
