Outbound Travel Group seeks trade feedback in first industry-wide consultation

The UK Outbound Travel Group is calling for trade feedback on issues such as school calendar reform in its first industry-wide consultation.

 

The survey launch comes as the lobbying group looks to broaden its engagement beyond the travel sector and seeks further industry support.

 

It has seven stakeholders, including the Advantage Travel Partnership, InteleTravel and Aito, The Specialist Travel Association, and is “actively pursuing expansion”.

 

More: UK Outbound Travel Group passes ‘significant’ lobbying milestone

 

Outbound lobby group hails progress with MPs

 

The group recently called on the Department for Education to work with industry representatives, teaching unions and parent groups to develop transition plans for school holiday timings due to climate change.

 

Advantage chief executive and group spokesperson Julia Lo Bue‑Said described the trade survey as a “pivotal moment” to reach beyond its core membership and engage with the broader travel trade community.

 

The group is keen to secure “candid feedback” on government relations and policy matters affecting the sector.

 

She said: “The survey data will serve as crucial ammunition or our ongoing lobbying efforts, providing evidence‑based arguments that show genuine industry consensus.

 

“We plan to conduct thorough analysis of the findings, which will help us refine our messaging and prioritise our advocacy initiatives.”

 

On the need for feedback on school holiday reform, she added: “This survey represents an invaluable opportunity to gauge whether there is genuine cross‑industry appetite for change and to ensure our lobbying efforts reflect the collective voice of the travel trade.”

 

Lo Bue‑Said said the group was considering expanding its engagement beyond the travel sector to include educational institutions, academics and other relevant stakeholders.

 

“This multi‑sector approach would strengthen our position when presenting proposals to government officials and policymakers,” she added.

 

The survey – available by clicking here – is targeted at travel agents, tour operators and other key stakeholders in the sector.

 

To date, the group has engaged with more than 85 MPs nationwide, which has helped to amplify its messages within government circles and among “key policymakers”, said Lo Bue‑Said.

 

It is planning an event in Westminster in 2026 to “present our policy priorities directly to government officials”.