The leaders of the UK’s three biggest tour operators do not expect a change of government to solve the industry’s challenges in communicating with Westminster.
Speaking at Travel Weekly’s Future of Travel Conference, the bosses of Jet2, Tui and easyJet holidays shared their frustration at meeting with the current government to discuss the value of the sector and the hurdles facing it.
But they said there was no indication communication would be any easier should Labour win the next general election.
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Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy said: “We try to speak to whoever we can [in government] but it’s very hard to get hold of these people;
you have to wait weeks and then they just tend to nod and smile and not a lot happens.”
When asked if he thought a Labour government would be more understanding, Heapy said: “It’s very hard to get any indication of Labour’s policies. They haven’t really given an opinion on anything.”
Garry Wilson, chief executive of easyJet holidays, agreed, adding: “I don’t think there’s been a different view shared so far [by Labour].”
Wilson told attendees lobbying efforts should build on the value consumers place on holidays and the need for the industry to be supported to provide them.
“What consumers have showed us through demand is that the holiday is sacrosanct and something they are not going to compromise,” he said.
“These are the people voting these politicians in, so that’s where the strength comes from.
“The lobbying has to happen, but the consumers need to be representing us by saying they’re not going to put up with huge price increases or having one holiday every two years.”
Andrew Flintham, Tui Northern Region managing director, said the operator’s lobbying efforts too often ended in frustration.
He said: “Some of the best lobbying meetings I’ve had have finished with the person saying, ‘you do realise this is not within the control of our department?’ It’s a real challenge.”
Labour currently leads in polls for the next election, which will happen no later than January 28, 2025.