Abta’s chief executive has written to Chancellor Rishi Sunk in a plea for ‘tailored support’ to minimise further job losses in the travel sector.
Ahead of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s fiscal statement, expected this coming week, Mark Tanzer highlighted the industry’s need for ongoing salary support and financial assistance at a time of continuing Covid-19 related redundancies.
Tanzer said: “The restart of international travel is a significant milestone that the travel industry’s recovery is dependent on, but longer-term measures are also needed to stave off pending job losses.”
He called for the government to consider a variety of fiscal measures to help boost demand as travel restarts.
He said: “Whilst the easing of lockdown has started, the travel industry continues to be in the midst of this crisis and the Government has an important role to support businesses to rebuild demand and provide consumer reassurance. Fiscal measures to boost demand, including cuts to VAT as well as a temporary suspension of Air Passenger Duty to cover the summer season next year must be considered by the Chancellor”.