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Abta requests urgent meeting with government after latest blow

Abta has requested an urgent meeting with Chancellor Rishi Sunak and transport secretary Grant Shapps after the announcement of a French ban on UK tourists heaped more pressure on the travel industry.

The association said it had made similar approaches to the government over the past two weeks to discuss the impact of the Omicron variant and travel restrictions on the sector’s finances and the need for support.

Chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “The government has recognised the plight of the UK hospitality sector, with trade down by 40% in December.

“But at the same time, the travel industry, where income has been down by 78% this year, and further impacted by Omicron restrictions since late November, continues to be ignored.

“Over the past fortnight, we have heard nothing from government about how travel and tourism might be supported.  The time to act is now.”

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