The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has intensified its political outreach, engaging with more than 250 parliamentarians over the past twelve months. With the UK government now under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, ABTA is positioning itself to ensure the travel industry’s priorities remain front and centre in policy debates.
ABTA’s public affairs team has conducted direct meetings with nearly 100 MPs, including Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, and Minister for EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds. These discussions have tackled several critical regulatory and operational challenges facing the sector, such as the ongoing review of the Package Travel Regulations, the impending EU Entry/Exit System (EES), and legislation around sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Key Policy Priorities for the Travel Sector
Among the most pressing issues raised by ABTA is the need for a new UK-EU youth mobility agreement. The association argues that such a scheme would facilitate easier travel and work opportunities for young people, thereby strengthening the outbound travel market and fostering closer ties with Europe. Luke Petherbridge, ABTA’s Director of Public Affairs, emphasised the importance of a sustained advocacy effort: “We need a balanced and sustained public affairs programme to effectively communicate the value of the travel sector to government officials.”
The association is also closely monitoring the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System, which will require biometric data collection for non-EU travellers. ABTA has been lobbying for clear guidance and sufficient lead time to allow travel agents and tour operators to prepare their customers. Similarly, the review of the Package Travel Regulations is seen as a pivotal moment to modernise consumer protections without placing undue burden on travel businesses.
Summer Engagement and Party Conference Presence
ABTA plans to maintain momentum through a series of member visits with MPs over the summer months. These local meetings are designed to highlight the economic contribution of travel businesses in constituencies across the UK. The campaign will culminate in a reception at the Labour Party conference in September, where ABTA will further press its case with new ministers and advisers.
“The political landscape has shifted significantly with the new government,” Petherbridge added. “Our continued engagement with key decision-makers is essential to ensure that the travel sector’s needs are recognised in shaping future policies.”
ABTA’s advocacy comes at a time when the global travel industry is navigating post-pandemic recovery, geopolitical tensions, and evolving regulatory frameworks. The association’s efforts are particularly relevant for travel agents and tour operators who rely on clear, stable policies to plan their offerings. For example, the ongoing uncertainty around the EU’s EES has prompted many operators to seek clarity on how it will affect package holiday bookings.
In parallel, the travel industry is seeing significant developments elsewhere. For instance, Asia Pacific carriers posted $12.1 billion in net profit in 2025, driven by strong demand and lower fuel costs, highlighting the global nature of the sector. Meanwhile, cruise lines are permanently exiting the Middle East as geopolitical risk reshapes global deployments, a trend that underscores the importance of government engagement in managing industry risks.
ABTA’s proactive approach to parliamentary engagement is a model for how trade associations can influence policy. By building relationships across party lines and focusing on concrete issues like youth mobility and regulatory reform, the association is working to create a more favourable operating environment for its members. As the summer recess approaches, travel professionals will be watching closely to see how these discussions translate into tangible policy outcomes.
