A survey to track the industry’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and how businesses expect to fare with the cost of living crisis has been instigated by the Future Travel Coalition.
The data gathered will be used to support the 15 member Coalition’s lobbying efforts over the coming weeks and months.
Its release came as the government confirmed details of its energy bill relief scheme for businesses in a bid to prevent insolvencies and protect jobs.
It will apply to energy usage from October 1 to March 31, running for an initial six months for all non-domestic energy users.
The savings will be first seen in October bills, which are typically received in November.
A review into the operation of the scheme in three months will be published “to inform decisions on future support” after March 2023.
“The review will focus in particular on identifying the most vulnerable non-domestic customers and how the government will continue assisting them with energy costs,” a statement said.
New business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “The help we are already putting in place will save families money off their bills, and the government’s plans for businesses, charities and public sector organisations will give them the equivalent level of support.”
In response, UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “This intervention is unprecedented and it is extremely welcome that government has listened to hospitality businesses facing an uncertain winter. We particularly welcome its inclusiveness – from the smallest companies to the largest – all of which combine to provide a huge number of jobs, which are now much more secure.
“The government has recognised the vulnerability of hospitality as a sector, and we will continue to work with the government, to ensure that there is no cliff edge when these measures fall away.”
The Future Travel Coalition survey is open until 5pm on October 3 at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KLQY88D.
Abta public affairs director Luke Petherbridge said: “The partners within the Future Travel Coalition have committed to continuing to work together to promote the value of the travel industry, and to urge the new government to support travel businesses with the rising cost of doing business.
“We saw throughout the pandemic the importance of having data and evidence to back-up our advocacy work. The evidence gathered in similar surveys played a critical role in overturning the decision to exclude retail travel agents from grants support, back in November 2020, and played a role in in achieving the removal of travel restrictions following the Omicron spike last year.
“Having up to date information from businesses will provide solid evidence for the Coalition’s engagement with the new government, and it’s vitally important that businesses across the travel sector take part and share their views.
Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten added: “I really encourage all of the members of the Business Travel Association, and other Future Travel Coalition partners, to support the survey.
“Having up to the minute data on what is happening in the industry adds significant weight to conversations with politicians and other stakeholders.”