A UK-EU aviation agreement is “vital” and Thomas Cook could be “more shy” about UK growth without one, the group’s chief executive Peter Fankhauser has warned.
Addressing the Abta Travel Matters conference in London, Fankhauser said: “We need a single aviation agreement and we need a transitional agreement on air traffic rights on [Britain’s] exit.
“We don’t want to see barriers to travel going up.”
He insisted: “An aviation agreement is vital for us. We have to plan 18-24 months in advance. If it’s not clear, then we will be more shy to grow in the UK than somewhere else. We need certainty.”
Fankhauser said: “We must place our message where it most counts – in Westminster, in Brussels, in the capitals of the most important destination countries, not only with the tourism ministers but with prime ministers.”
He insisted: “Travel and tourism makes a significant contribution. The outgoing industry contributes £30 billion a year to the UK economy.
“We have no excuse not to join forces to make our voice heard.”
However, he said: “I think it is high up the agenda of the government. As an industry we have a significant impact on countries like Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, supporting countless jobs.
“Europe cannot afford the £20 billion that British holidaymakers spend not going to EU member states. If this falls apart they have a big problem.
“We have to engage in EU capitals and put this high up the agenda.”