Abta has cautiously welcomed David Cameron’s pledge to appoint a dedicated tourism minister should the Conservatives win the forthcoming election.
The Tory leader made the comments when he addressed holidaymakers at a Haven Holidays park last week. Cameron echoed Travel Weekly’s Yes Minister campaign, which is calling for a senior ministerial position to be created backing all aspects of the trade.
While Abta also welcomed the comments, it urged Cameron to provide more concrete proposals for the outbound sector, which the association is demanding with its own manifesto.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “It is encouraging that the Conservatives say they will create a senior ministerial position to protect and fight the interests of the tourism industry, but we have no sign yet that this minister would have the outbound sector in its remit.
“Abta members turned over £23 billion last year – the aviation sector alone added £2 billion straight into the treasury’s coffers from Air Passenger Duty – while 60 million trips were taken overseas by British people helping to contribute £1 billion to developing economies.
“All political parties therefore need to understand the importance of having a Whitehall department with a lead responsibility for tourism to include domestic, inbound and outbound sectors.”