The Save Future Travel Coalition has written to chancellor Rishi Sunak calling for tailored support for the industry to be granted in this autumn’s Budget.
The letter, signed by the leaders of Abta, the Advantage Travel Partnership, Aito, Atas, the Business Travel Association, the Scottish Passenger Agents Association, Seasonal Business in Travel, The Travel Network Group and UKinbound, highlights the strategic and economic importance of the outbound and inbound travel markets, and the serious situation that businesses in the sectors face.
It sets out a plan to save future travel, which includes changes to quarantine policy, the introduction of testing and the granting of an Air Passenger Duty (APD) holiday.
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The coalition says that, with the right policy and regulatory support, the government can save jobs and ensure the viability of the UK’s travel industry.
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at Abta – The Travel Association, said: “Through the Save Future Travel Coalition, we are uniting behind common asks and seeking to amplify the voice of travel. Our message is clear, travel is a critical strategic sector for the entire UK economy, which underpins the air routes and other transport links that are vital for the UK’s global trade. Failure to support the travel sector will setback the UK’s economic recovery, and it’s vital the government acts quickly to support businesses and retain jobs.”
Abta wrote to chancellor Rishi Sunak last month when it suggested a five-point action plan to ‘save future travel’ as it warned 90,000 jobs could be lost.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “Using our collective strength is key as we approach government ahead of the budget. This is a key milestone in the parliamentary calendar and this year more than ever timing and speed is critical if we are going to save future travel, jobs and businesses.”
Joanne Dooey, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA), said: “The travel industry is in desperate need of an urgent and tailored support package to enable its survival. Working in collaboration with our partner organisations gives us a forceful combined voice which the government must listen to and act upon.”
Other relevant government departments have also received a copy of the letter to the chancellor.