Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called in at Sunlounger Travel yesterday (23 March) during a visit to King’s Lynn.
The Conservative party leader joined local MP James Wild at the branch, where Sunlounger owner and Managing Director Iain Kirkbright got the opportunity to speak directly about the challenges facing the travel industry in the wake of the Middle East crisis.
Iain, whose agency group is part of Advantage Travel Partnership, said he already has a good relationship with his local MP, but meeting Kemi provided a rare opportunity to elevate the industry’s messages to the highest level.
He said: “I was able to tell them that the travel industry is navigating one of the most challenging and complex periods in its recent history, and to speak frankly about the very real pressures businesses like ours are facing right now.
“The sector was already grappling with rising National Insurance contributions, mounting employment pressures and escalating business rates.
“And then the Middle East crisis hits on top of all of that, adding a significant and urgent new layer to an already difficult landscape. Our teams have been working around the clock to manage the situation and protect our customers and our businesses.”
Iain added: “Kemi was sympathetic. She understands the challenges facing the industry and the high street. I told her about some clients who were in the Maldives when the Middle East war broke out and how we got them back. She seemed interested.”
Speaking on behalf of the UK Outbound Travel Group, Advantage CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “I am delighted that Iain was not only able to meet again with his local MP, but to relay such important messages directly to the Leader of the Opposition. It is vital that our industry’s voice is heard at the highest levels of politics.
“By demonstrating to MPs how UK outbound travel businesses are central pillars of their local economies, we are building a genuine caucus of supporters in Parliament and that can only strengthen our case for better ministerial representation and recognition of the enormous economic contribution this sector makes.”
Advantage and AITO members sent out letters to MPs in 2023, inviting them to come and find out more about their local travel businesses. So far, more than 80 MPs have taken up invites to visit travel companies in their area.
Pictured, from left: Iain, Kemi and James
