Issues such as aviation access and visa-free travel for holidaymakers and business travellers will need to be addressed urgently in the next phase of Brexit talks, according to Abta.
Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “It is vital that the importance and scale of the travel industry are recognised in the discussions.
“The UK outbound travel industry generates over €37 billion for the economies in the EU, and £28 billion for the UK. It also supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and businesses, both here and abroad.
“Many travel companies have already begun to look ahead to 2019, so agreeing transitional arrangements early in the new year will help business to plan and help protect consumer confidence.”
He added: “Abta has been working closely with the EU and the UK government to raise issues on behalf of the industry, and we will continue to do this throughout the next phase of the negotiations.”
Tanzer was speaking following today’s news that the government will be moving to the next phase of Brexit discussions.
Four central points in relation to travel have been highlighted during the next stage of negotiations by the travel association:
1. Maintain our ability to travel freely within Europe and beyond
2. Ensure businesses can post staff to support holidaymakers
3. Visa-free travel for holidaymakers and business travellers
4. Protect valuable consumer rights