ABTA unveils election manifesto
ABTA has issued a manifesto in the run-up to the General Election urging MPs to work with the industry to secure a sustainable future.
Called ‘Value Tourism’, ABTA’s manifesto is asking the Government to prioritise three themes in the next Parliament:
– Building confidence in travel, which includes working with the industry to achieve carbon reduction targets, as well as bringing forward a consultation on airline insolvency;
– Securing tomorrow’s travel workforce, which focuses on the need for a liberal, open, immigration regime and to secure a reciprocal deal on posted workers with the EU;~
– Ensuring the UK remains competitive by reducing APD in line with EU competitors and supporting high street businesses by considering targeted measures including business rates reform.
ABTA head of public affairs Luke Petherbridge said: "This General Election is an important opportunity to remind political decision makers just how valuable travel and tourism is to the UK, and to call upon them to work with the industry to deliver a successful and sustainable future.
"There has never been a more important time to build confidence in travel and government plays a vital role in delivering this. One of our asks is to lead a consultation on a comprehensive regime of consumer protection in the event of further airline insolvencies.
“A long awaited solution is required to ensure there is clarity for consumers, and fair and equal treatment for all companies who make flight seats available."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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