The UK Outbound Group is organising a significant meeting post-general election to discuss future strategies for the travel sector.
This meeting will bring together leaders across the UK travel industry to reflect on the sector’s progress and strategise for future political engagement.
Political Engagement Strategy
The UK Outbound Group is set to convene an industry-wide meeting to deliberate on the sector’s political engagement strategy in the wake of the recent general election. This initiative is spearheaded by the Advantage Travel Partnership, the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT).
Scheduled to be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, at FTI Consulting’s Westminster office in London, the meeting will focus on reflecting on the election results and their implications for the UK outbound travel sector. According to Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, the purpose of the meeting is to ensure that the travel industry secures the recognition and support it merits as a significant economic contributor.
Despite the heightened political activity and the unveiling of new party manifestos, the economic significance of the UK outbound travel sector remains largely unacknowledged. Lo Bue-Said stressed the importance of stepping up activities to amplify the industry’s voice and to ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
Reflecting on the Pandemic
During the pandemic, the UK outbound travel sector was significantly overlooked in terms of support packages. This lack of political understanding highlighted the necessity for ongoing political engagement.
Lo Bue-Said emphasised that the last two years have seen the UK Outbound Group advocate strongly on behalf of the sector, effectively amplifying the voice of the industry to politicians and policymakers across all major political parties. This effort aims to prevent the previous oversight from recurring and to secure the necessary support for future challenges.
Progress and Achievements
The group’s work to date has been bolstered by the support of FTI Consulting, which has played a crucial role in achieving recognition for the sector.
One major milestone is the MP Engagement Programme, which has facilitated visits by almost 50 MPs to local travel businesses within the past nine months. This initiative has been pivotal in establishing strong relationships with key government ministers, MPs, and policymakers, enhancing the group’s influence and impact.
Lo Bue-Said highlighted the considerable progress made, thanks to these efforts, in gaining recognition for the contributions of the UK outbound travel sector to the national economy.
Future Goals and Funding
The upcoming meeting will also address the funding required to accelerate progress and expand the group’s activities. As the sector seeks more recognition and support, securing adequate funding is paramount.
Opportunities to expand the group’s political engagement activities will be explored, aiming to build on the progress made so far and to create a robust strategy for future advocacy efforts.
Quotes and Perspectives
Julia Lo Bue-Said stated, “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.”
She further added, “Needless to say, there is very little recognition of the economic importance of the sector in any of the main party manifestos. With the impending election, we now believe it is vital for us to step up our activity to ensure the travel industry receives the recognition and support it deserves as a vital economic contributor.”
Building Relationships
The MP Engagement Programme has been a cornerstone of the group’s strategy, hosting nearly 50 MPs in the last nine months.
Through these engagements, the group has been able to build strong connections with key government figures, ensuring that the voice of the UK outbound travel sector is heard and addressed in political circles.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the progress, challenges remain in ensuring consistent political attention and support for the travel industry.
The meeting aims to strategise on overcoming these challenges, continuing to push for the recognition and support essential for the sector’s growth and stability.
The forthcoming meeting organised by the UK Outbound Group is a crucial step in ensuring the travel sector’s voice is heard in political spheres.
By reflecting on past achievements and planning future strategies, the group aims to fortify the industry’s position and secure essential support and recognition.
