ABTA launches manifesto ahead of 2015 general election
ABTA has launched a travel and tourism manifesto ahead of next year’s general election.
‘A manifesto for jobs and growth in Tourism’ was launched with a Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons last night.
It is asking politicians to call for:
• Increased airport capacity in the next parliament;
• Investment in infrastructure to improve surface access and the passenger experience;
• Reform and reduction of Air Passenger Duty;
• A cohesive approach to tourism policymaking;
• Completion of consumer protection reforms in a balanced and comprehensive way.
ABTA’s manifesto is supported by research from Centre for Economics and Business Research and Deloitte which show travel and tourism is a significant and growing source of employment in the UK.
It also encourages youth employment, entrepreneurs, part time jobs, apprenticeship opportunities and jobs with various skills levels, claims ABTA.
Women also make up 51.4% of the industry workforce, far higher than the UK average.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "As an industry, we can point to some real progress in convincing this Government to move on reforms to both APD and consumer protection and also in influencing and moving forward the airport capacity debate.
"But we as an industry, and the Government, must do more. To compete in this fast-paced global marketplace, it is crucial that the momentum that the industry has been steadily building behind necessary reforms and policies picks up steam beyond 2015, and that is why we are launching this manifesto."
Diane
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