ABTA and UKinbound highlighted the economic and employment benefit of international travel to the UK at a joint reception with senior industry figures and politicians at the Labour Party Conference on Sunday (27 September).
It came after the associations revealed new figures showing inbound and outbound travel’s combined economic contribution had increased from £80 billion to £88.5bn in a year, with international travel supporting 1.4 million jobs throughout the UK.
More than 50 industry leaders and senior politicians attended the event, which was hosted by MP for Blackpool South and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tourism and Hospitality Chris Webb.
He spoke about his own personal connections to the industry and passion for championing careers in tourism, as well as outlining how he sees a new administration in Downing Street as a renewed opportunity for industry to be heard, and seen as a strategically important part of the economy.
Tourism Minister and MP for Barnsley South Stephanie Peacock also delivered a speech in which she recognised the challenges facing the industry today, but spoke about her intention to engage, build relationships, and to advocate for tourism across Government.
ABTA Director of Public Affairs Luke Petherbridge said: “ABTA is pleased to have worked with UKinbound to deliver the tourism reception at this year’s Labour Party Conference. The event was a valuable opportunity to celebrate the hugely important contribution of tourism, and to discuss the important links between inbound and outbound travel with Labour politicians.
“As part of those discussions, we emphasised the catalytic role that outbound travel has in driving jobs and growth across the entirety of the UK, including by providing the travel volumes that underpin international routes and supporting regional airports across the country.
“With the new administration focused on growth in every part of the UK, our sector has an important role to play. The travel industry has a strong story to tell about how it stimulates economic activity and provides jobs across the country, and we want to work with Government to ensure the policy environment is in place to support our future success.”
UKinbound CEO Joss Croft OBE added: “We were incredibly proud to host the inaugural Tourism Reception at Labour Party Conference, bringing together UKinbound and ABTA members, travel businesses, parliamentarians and industry stakeholders to champion the contribution travel and tourism make to economies and communities across the UK. The strong attendance and quality of discussion reflected the growing recognition of our sector’s role in supporting jobs, investment and growth across every nation and region.
“It was particularly valuable to have many of our members in the room, sharing first-hand insights into both the opportunities and challenges facing businesses that welcome international visitors to Britain. Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring tourism is recognised as a strategic growth sector, with policies that strengthen the UK’s competitiveness, improve international connectivity and support business growth.
“The visitor economy has an important role to play in delivering the Government’s growth ambitions, generating export earnings, supporting jobs and spreading prosperity across the country. We were encouraged by the engagement from policymakers throughout the evening and look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead. Following the success of this inaugural reception, we’ve already pencilled it into the diary for next year.”
Picture from left: UKinbound Head of External Affairs Lauren Broughton, Joss Croft, Chris Webb MP, Stephanie Peacock MP and Luke Petherbridge.
