Abta is putting forward a four-point plan to government today in a “call for action’ for jobs and growth in UK travel and tourism.
The association is hosting a Parliamentary reception tonight calling for better recognition for the crucial role outbound tourism performs in creating employment and wealth and driving growth.
Among the key messages being put to government is a call for airline holiday sales to be brought under the Atol consumer protection umbrella, a review of the impact of Air Passenger Duty, cutting VAT on tourism services and simplifying the visa process for inbound tourists.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer (pictured) argues that all three tourism sectors – domestic, inbound and outbound – are interlinked and annually contribute £125 billion in consumer spending.
“The outbound sector, too often seen as driving money out of the country, contributes a substantial £31 billion to the UK,” he says, writing for Travel Weekly.
“Outbound travel also provides £6 billion a year in taxes to the Treasury and supports 1.26 million jobs in the wider economy, making it a major player in wealth and job creation for UK Plc.”
He adds: “We believe the government must now look to refresh and rejuvenate a number of its policies to help our dynamic, job-creating industry to flourish.”