ABTA calls for co-ordination and clear communication from Govt
ABTA – The Travel Association has written to the Prime Minister to provide an update on the specific challenges agents and operators are facing during Covid-19 and to call for a co-ordinated strategy supported by specific measures and clear communication by the Government.
In the letter, ABTA sets out its plans for engaging across Government to ensure the voice of the outbound travel sector is heard as the Government embarks on the recovery phase and the letter states how critically important it is that businesses and customers are given clear and consistent guidance and that public messages match published Government policy to avoid miscommunication.
To help the travel industry’s path to recovery, the letter also highlights the need for the Government to indicate its criteria for the transition from the current FCO advice against non-essential global travel to the re-opening of travel to destinations.
Finally, ahead of the Transport Select Committee hearing with the CAA and Aviation Minister, to take place on Wednesday, ABTA expresses its extreme disappointment at the Government’s failure to make any statement on consumer financial protection in the Covid-19 crisis, which is creating consumer confusion and placing increased strain on agents and operators.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "We understand the Government must make difficult decisions and we’re grateful for the business support measures it has introduced to date, but our concern is that these will not be enough to avoid large scale job losses and business failures in the travel industry which will impact every region in the UK.
"ABTA is eager to contribute to Government efforts because we need a strategic and coordinated approach, supported by practical steps to save future travel and aid its recovery.
"The success of the Government’s plan for recovery will depend on the return of consumer confidence which requires clear and consistent communication."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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