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Inbound travel association UKinbound has come out decisively in favour of Britain remaining in the UK following a poll of members.
The survey found 82% of UKinbound’s 350 members believe staying in the EU “is important to their business”.
The results, announced at the association’s annual convention in Aviemore on Thursday, led UKinbound to become the first association in the travel sector to speak out on the issue.
Association chief executive Deirdre Wells said the survey followed prime minister David Cameron’s recent request to the business community to share its views on EU membership.
UKinbound chairman Mark McVay told the conference: “Our member survey findings highlight overwhelming support for Britain to remain in the EU.
“This shouldn’t come as a surprise as the EU is an extremely important source market for tourism.
“It’s important to our country’s economy that we make it as easy as possible for people to travel here, not isolate ourselves from the market which collectively brought two-thirds of our visitors in 2015.”
Spending by overseas visitors to the UK totalled £22 billion last year.
Wells added: “We are fortunate to have a major market – the EU – right on our doorstep.
“Our members have been welcoming visitors from our European neighbours for decades. They bring much needed revenue to the UK, creating valuable jobs for the UK economy.
“Saying ‘yes’ to staying in the EU sends a clear message that we are open for business.”
Abta is currently consulting its members on their attitude to Britain remaining in or leaving the EU.