Mark Tanzer: 'The signs are that Labour understands our industry'

It’s exactly a month to the day since the election when TTG catches up with Tanzer, who senses opportunity. "We’re always talking to shadow ministers, as well as to government, to make the case for our sector, and we had a good response in the run-up to the election," he says.

"The signs are they [Labour] understand our sector, its power in terms of job creation, and the role it plays around the country in their constituents’ lives. And seem willing to work with us to resolve some of the issues we face."

Tanzer singles out Mike Kane, the new aviation and maritime minister. He addressed Abta’s annual policy seminar Travel Matters last year while in opposition, as well as the Airlines 2023 conference, and carries over his shadow cabinet brief into government. "He’s not coming in completely unsighted," says Tanzer.

The big question is whether he will be around long enough to help effect change. "Even though the civil service stays the same, you’ve got to start again with new ministers," Tanzer cautions, highlighting reform of the Atol scheme and Package Travel Regulations as two areas where progress could be perceived to have stalled.

"Let’s hope we have a slate [of ministers] that stays in position for a reasonable time so we can work together."

For a full five-year term? "Five years would be very bold," Tanzer concedes, adding: "I think 12 months would be good. But with a large majority and clear agenda for economic growth, it’s in everyone’s interests to keep people in position for longer."

New EU border rules

So to business. Tanzer is quick to praise Starmer for his efforts to reset the UK’s strained relationship with the EU. "It’s not just a big trading partner, but a big destination for members," he says. "As we head into negotiations, it’s important there’s open dialogue and goodwill on both sides."

In perhaps sharpest focus is the EU Entry-Exit System (EES), new biometric checks at external EU borders – such as those with the UK – that will replace passport stamping from 10 November.

Tanzer says Abta is seeking "sensible, pragmatic solutions" with the EU, which has committed to a six-month soft launch to smooth border transit in those destinations where the facilities need upgrading.

"What we don’t want is huge queues," he warns. "Passengers don’t want that, the destinations don’t want it, the EU doesn’t want it and we don’t want it.

"Ultimately, once it’s in, it will speed things up. There will be more automation. Once we’ve gone through the initial pain of registering for the first time, it will probably be worth it. I just think the process of getting there will be a bit torturous."

The government has since pledged another £10.5 million to support a smooth roll-out, with £3.5 million going to each of the Port of Dover, Eurostar at London St Pancras International station and Eurotunnel at Folkestone.

Abta, meanwhile, says it is working with members to help them get clients ready for the transition, with resources available from its member zone and a consumer-facing web resource.

It will host a video conference call with representatives from the Department for Transport and the Foreign Office on Tuesday 24 September to bring members up-to-speed with developments.

Youth mobility hopes dashed?

Elsewhere, Abta’s pre-election manifesto re-stated its desire for a new reciprocal youth mobility framework with the EU, which would allow young people to work on the continent and vice-versa.

Earlier this year, Abta’s director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge insisted the association’s lobbying had "moved the dial" on youth mobility, and as Starmer sense-checked the mood on the continent and in Brussels, there did – fleetingly – appear to have been a breakthrough.

However, with the EU appearing to be seeking youth mobility as a pre-requisite for a new post-Brexit relationship with the EU, the prime minister subsequently played down an immediate prospect of an accord.

Tanzer is conscious of how the issue is framed when it next takes the limelight. "We recognise free movement and immigration is going to be a political hot potato," he says, cautiously, as he alludes to the rioting that followed the murders of three young girls in Southport in July, which was stoked by online disinformation.

"You’ve only got to look at what happened at the weekend [3-4 August] to see how combustible the whole issue is," he continues. "No one’s talking about forgetting Brexit. Youth mobility is not free movement. It’s a temporary visa regime that sees everyone go home when their visa expires. It doesn’t give people the right to residence, the right to remain, the right to bring family. I think in both directions it makes sense."

There are other areas where Abta would welcome progress, such as on mutual recognition of qualifications – like those for guides and coach drivers – and commonality of certain standards.

"None of this is compromising the underlying principles people voted for through Brexit," he adds, stressing the EU – in or out – will remain the UK’s most important destination.

The war for talent

Closer to home, Tanzer is confident the industry has stemmed some of the post-pandemic talent leakage, and is making good progress on proposed new level 3 travel and tourism courses for 16- to 19-year-olds following a Department for Education review of provision from 2026.

He praises the work of the Tourism Industry Skills Working Group, which was convened by Abta when it was confirmed government was planning to defund existing courses. "Now we can go out with a more positive message," says Tanzer, with new arrangements in place.

"A recurring theme over the past few years has been the challenge attracting new talent," Tanzer continues. "I’m not hearing, to the same degree, about acute shortages. But you can understand people looking at travel immediately after being shut down for two years and thinking it a risky place to be. Now it’s back and people are travelling in more conventional patterns, it’s up to us again to sell the virtues of working in the industry."

Tanzer also lays some of the blame with Brexit and the end of posted working, highlighting how many of the industry’s current senior leaders took their first steps in the industry as overseas reps – something a reciprocal youth mobility scheme with the EU would address.