Industry leaders hailed last week’s election result as likely to boost demand following weeks of uncertainty when polls predicted no party would have overall control of Parliament.
David Cameron returned as Conservative prime minister with a 12-strong majority as the pound rose on foreign exchange markets.
Global Travel Group managing director Andy Stark said: “The decisive result means there is no uncertainty. It’s good for small businesses.”
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “A prolonged period of coalition or different governments would not have helped anyone.”
Andrew Botterill, chief executive of dnata Travel B2B Europe, added: “Stability has to be welcome. It will boost consumer confidence and, with the same party in government, we don’t have to start from scratch explaining all the issues.”
Holidaysplease director Charles Duncombe agreed, saying: “The certainty factor is important irrespective of who won.” But he added: “This may be short term if the Conservatives have rifts over Europe.”
UKinbound chief executive Deirdre Wells said: “The key challenge will be the spending round – how tough will it be and what will be the impact on non‑protected areas including tourism?”
The result saw many ministers return to their former departments, with chancellor George Osborne retaining control of Air Passenger Duty and Patrick McLoughlin resuming as transport secretary.
McLoughlin will oversee the government’s response to the Airports Commission, which is expected to recommend whether to expand Heathrow or Gatwick at the end of June.
However, there are changes at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport which oversees tourism.
Veteran Tory MP John Whittingdale is the new culture secretary, succeeding former DCMS head Sajid Javid who is now business secretary.
Tracey Crouch MP takes over as minister for sport and tourism from Helen Grant MP.