UK Outbound, led by Advantage, Aito and Abtot, has this week written to industry leaders inviting them to discuss the sector’s political engagement strategy post-election. UK Outbound represents more than 1,250 SMEs across the sector.

The meeting in central London takes place on Monday 16 September, 10 weeks after the election.
 
Speaking for UK Outbound, Julia Lo Bue-Said, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive, said: “With the furore of a general election gripping the country, one could easily be under the impression that now is the time when the main parties unveil supportive measures that recognise the significance of the UK Outbound Travel sector.

“Needless to say, there is very little recognition of the economic importance of the sector in any of the main party manifestos.

“We are hosting this meeting of industry leaders to discuss our ongoing efforts to increase political attention on the UK outbound travel sector. The experience of the pandemic demonstrated that political understanding of how our industry works is poor with the consequence that the particular dynamics of our sector were completely overlooked when the government was putting in place support packages.”

UK Outbound is supported by FTI Consulting, its Westminster public affairs advisor, at whose office the meeting will take place. UK Outbound’s lobbying has included an MP engagement programme, where constituency MPs are encouraged to visit local travel businesses. Agents have hosted almost 50 MPs within the last nine months.

“With the impending election, we now believe it is vital for us to step up our activity to ensure that the travel industry receives the recognition and support it deserves as a vital economic contributor,” added Lo Bue-Said.
 
“It will be an opportunity to discuss the Group’s progress to date, reflect on the results of the general election, what this means for our work, the funding required to accelerate progress and the opportunities to expand our activity.”