The UK Outbound Travel Group has announced the recruitment of five “distinguished” travel sector leaders and brands to bolster its lobbying efforts.
The new appointments include Tricia Handley-Hughes, managing director, InteleTravel; Oliver Brendon, founder and chief executive of Attraction Tickets; Sami Doyle, founder and chief executive of TMU Management; and Travel Specialist Consultancy Limited.
Joanna Kolatsis, director at Themis Advisory, has also joined to provide legal counsel.
They bring the coalition’s total representation to eight members, including the founding companies, the Advantage Travel Partnership, Abtot and Aito – The Specialist Travel Company.
Julia Lo Bue Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership and spokesperson for the UK Outbound Travel Group, welcomed the new members, saying: “They share our ambition to ensure that the sector’s representation across the political landscape is both amplified and understood for the economic powerhouse it is today and its potential as a key economic driver for growth that government is looking for.
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“The dark days of the pandemic starkly demonstrated the consequences of governmental oversight of our industry.
“Our strengthened coalition has made an unwavering commitment to ensure this never happens again, through amplifying the voice of the sector.
“The numbers speak for themselves – our sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy, supporting 354,000 jobs across the national travel ecosystem while delivering an £80 billion overall GVA [gross value added] impact from international travel, with £49 billion specifically from outbound travel.
“Our industry stands uniquely positioned to drive substantial economic growth, and it warrants full recognition across the political landscape as a strategic pillar of the UK’s economic success.”
Handley-Hughes added: “It’s vitally important that government understand and appreciate the breadth of the travel industry, job creation and economic contribution to our UK economy.
“This is far more than just selling holidays, it encompasses education, wellbeing and financial stability. Collectively, I look forward to contributing on behalf of the homeworking sector.”
Brendon commented: “The UK outbound travel industry is under-represented, given its size and importance to the overall economy.
“Compared to sectors such as UK hospitality, we have a disproportionately low influence on policy, and I hope that this group can help to change the status quo.”
Doyle continued: “This sector remains largely misunderstood externally, at stark contrast with the size of its contribution to the UK economy.
“The UK government is missing an opportunity support the outbound travel industry and turbocharge what is already a brilliant UK growth story. We look forward to amplifying that message.”
The expanded group held its inaugural strategy meeting earlier this month to outline its comprehensive advocacy agenda for the coming year.
Its members are focused on strengthening the sector’s influence among MPs, policymakers, government departments and ministers.
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