Huw Merriman: Travel's knight in shining armour?
Will PayneMP Huw Merriman’s appointment as transport minister could be a key turning point in the outbound travel sector’s fight for recognition in Westminster, Aito has said.
Aito chair Chris Rowles described Merriman’s appointment to the post at the Department for Transport "the perfect role" for the former chair of parliament’s transport select committee.
"He simply ‘gets’ travel, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the huge challenges we’ve faced over the past several years," said Rowles.
"He’s taken the time to attend Aito meetings and has seen members of Aito, both specialist travel agents and specialist tour operators, near despair at their struggle to keep their businesses going and their staff employed after decades of hard work."
Rowles said Merriman was aware of agents’ and operators’ "total dedication" to customer service, as well as their "frustration" at rules and regulations implemented by those in government "who simply don’t understand" the sector.
"Travel needs real know-how and understanding from those in power; we are the seed-bed for the businesses of the future," Rowles continued. "We need poor legislation to be addressed by people who comprehend and care about the consequences of laws created by those outside the industry itself."
He urged those in key ministerial positions to meet with Aito and other industry bodies to ensure they "understand how the industry works".
‘Helping hand’
Meanwhile, Aito executive director, Martyn Sumners, said Merriman will use his "experience, understanding and support" of the sector to educate and influence other ministerial colleagues.
"Huw Merriman’s well-deserved appointment to the role may well start to see recognition of the value of outbound travel within government," he said.
"We need government recognition and a helping hand to ensure that we continue to deliver such huge benefits to the UK economy."
Huw Merriman has been one of only a handful of vocal supporters of the travel trade in Westminster, along with his transport committee colleagues. On the one hand, his appointment will deprive travel of his keen oversight for key transport issues. On the other, this knowledge and eye for detail will hopefully be deployed in a role where he can pursue true recognition for the sector and guide reforms that will be in the industry's best interests. An ally of Rishi Sunak, should the prime minister weather the current political storm, could we perhaps see Merriman rise yet further through the ranks at the DfT?
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