Abta has launched an online election toolkit to help members influence local candidates on travel industry issues.
It consists of the Abta manifesto, a guide on how to contact candidates and sample invitation letters to candidates and press releases to announce the visit of a candidate.
Head of public affairs Luke Pollard said: “The run up to the election on May 6 provides an ideal opportunity to educate and influence parliamentary candidates.
“The general election will bring in a totally new batch of MPs and possibly a new government. It is vitally important that new and current MPs understand the needs of travel and tourism, the fifth largest sector of the economy.
“Our industry’s concerns should be at the heart of government policy”.
Pollard believes contacting candidates and educating them on the issues affecting travel and tourism will help them understand how things like Atol reform, airport expansion, taxes and climate change will touch the lives of their constituents.
Lord Graham of Edmonton, who hosted the launch of the association’s manifesto Travel Matters at the House of Lords in March, said: “Abta members will find parliamentary candidates especially receptive to their views in the lead up to an election. It’s the perfect time to approach them.”
To view the toolkit go to the members area of abta.com.