ABTA and UKinbound used a joint Labour Party Conference reception to press the case for tourism as a growth sector, saying international travel contributes £88.5bn ($118bn) in gross value added to the UK economy and supports more than 1.4mn jobs.
The event, hosted by Chris Webb MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tourism and Hospitality, brought more than 50 industry leaders and politicians together with Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock, who addressed the reception.
The trade bodies framed the meeting around the links between inbound and outbound travel, arguing that the two sides of the market support each other rather than competing for policy attention. Outbound passenger volumes help sustain international routes and regional airports, while inbound tourism brings export earnings and visitor spending into cities and regions across the UK.
Industry representatives also used the reception to raise barriers to growth, including business rates, employment costs, Air Passenger Duty and visa costs. The discussion comes as the UK travel sector tries to push tourism higher up the government’s economic agenda.
ABTA public affairs director Luke Petherbridge said outbound travel had a “catalytic role” in supporting jobs and growth across the UK, including by providing the volumes that underpin international routes.
UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft said the reception reflected growing recognition of tourism’s role in supporting jobs, investment and regional growth. He said discussions highlighted the need for policies that strengthen UK competitiveness, improve international connectivity and support business growth.