The Advantage Travel Partnership and Aito says they have "proactively engaged" the Treasury to highlight the outbound travel sector’s emergence from the pandemic.
The two organisations, which together represent hundreds of agents and tour operators across the UK, said their aim was to secure "proper representation" for their members and the sector in government decision-making.
“We are all clearly delighted international travel is getting back to normal, but feel it is critical that the government recognises the unique difficulties still being faced by the UK outbound travel sector in the wake of the pandemic," said Advantage chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said.
Advantage said the engagement focused on the impact of the pandemic on the outbound travel sector and that while the situation is improve, the specific challenges the sector faces "are still largely unrecognised".
"The UK has a world-leading travel industry, which plays a critical part in the country’s economic make-up and serves as a vehicle for a truly global Britain," said Advantage.
Lo Bue-Said continued: "By engaging with HM Treasury, our aim is to bring to light the situation that exists within our sector and work closely with the government to find measures that will secure the future of an industry that provides such a valuable contribution to the UK economy.
"The role of travel agents and tour operators, and the value they add to consumers, has never been so great. Since the pandemic, consumers are looking for greater protection, more security and better customer service. Coupled with the current economic climate, getting the best value for money has never been more important and as consumers look to make more informed choices, a thriving outbound travel sector is crucial.
"At such a critical point for the industry, as the recovery from the pandemic continues, it is vital that there is direct recognition from the government that the outbound travel sector is facing unique challenges as it seeks to secure its future and continue to provide thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in contributions to the UK economy."
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