Speakers at Abta’s Travel Convention agreed the outlook for the sector is overwhelmingly positive, says Travel Weekly’s Lucy Huxley
I wrote last week about the contrast between the optimistic tone presented by many in travel and the pessimism of the government’s views on public finances – and pondered whether the same upbeat tone would be struck at Abta’s Travel Convention.
I’m pleased to say it was, with the association’s Mark Tanzer noting that travel and tourism had performed better than every other consumer sector as it continues to defy a broader decline in confidence.
Industry leaders also argued that crucial demands from our sector – namely modernisation of airspace and investment in sustainable aviation fuel – were being listened to in Westminster and progress was finally being made. But, of course, nobody was getting too carried away and there was certainly no room for complacency.
Blue Bay Travel chief executive and Abta chairman Alistair Rowland warned the bubble of the past two years would inevitably pop at some point – with some travel firms coming under intense pressure when it does. And new Tui boss Neil Swanson also confirmed a cautious approach to future capacity, with a decision not to increase the operator’s Atol licence born of a desire to concentrate on margins as customers book later and for shorter durations.
Despite these notes of caution, speakers agreed the outlook was still overwhelmingly positive, with advances in technology, customer service, innovation and responsible and sustainable travel all highlighted. Sir Keir Starmer’s new government desperately needs to grow the economy and will need thriving businesses with momentum to do so. It could do worse than look to the travel industry.
Comment originally from Travel Weekly, October 10 edition