A cross-party group of MPs has launched an inquiry into the recovery of the aviation, travel and tourism sectors and their role in “supporting the UK economy post-pandemic”.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation is asking for input from these sectors as part of its first inquiry since the UK’s removal of major restrictions on international travel.
It said: “This inquiry will investigate how the UK aviation, travel and tourism sectors has begun and will continue to recover from the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the role aviation, travel and tourism can take in supporting the UK economy post Covid, in particular the ambitions to level up different regions of the UK and deliver a Global Britain.”
The inquiry will close at 5pm on March 10 and respondents are asked to submit evidence and any questions to info@futureofaviationgroup.org.uk.
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The inquiry has set the following nine questions and will accept any additional information that respondents consider relevant:
• What steps are required to ensure the UK’s aviation, travel and tourism sectors can return to pre-pandemic ways of operating and when do you currently anticipate returning to pre pandemic levels of business?
• What steps do you think the government should be taking to encourage consumers to return to international travel?
• If the measures you have recommended in the previous two questions are not taken, what do you expect the impact to be on the aviation, travel, and tourism industries both in the long and the short term?
• What role did a) your organisation or b) aviation, travel and tourism play in supporting regional economies before the pandemic and what action would you like to see to support regional economies?
• What role did a) your organisation or b) aviation, travel and tourism play in supporting Global Trade before the pandemic and what action would you like to see to support the Government’s Global Britain ambitions?
• What action do you think the Government should take to make the UK a world leader in sustainable aviation, tourism, and travel?
• What measures does government need to take to support the long-term recovery of the aviation, travel and tourism industries and ensure that they are a central part of the UK’s economic growth?
• With reference to your previous answer, what do you believe will be the impact on a) your local economy and b) the UK economy, if these measures aren’t taken?
• Do you think that the UK aviation, travel, and tourism will recover from the pandemic before or after our European neighbours and if not why?
The APPG for The Future of Aviation was set up on October 6, 2020, to provide policy solutions to tackle the challenges facing the aviation, travel and tourism industries as a result of Covid-19.
It is chaired by Henry Smith, the Conservative MP for Crawley, whose constituency includes Gatwick airport.
News of the inquiry comes as Abta is asking members to complete an anonymous survey to help the association with its lobbying, including meetings with senior government representatives.
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