ABTA is encouraging Members and the wider industry to complete a survey which is being carried out by the Government as part of its review on energy bill support.

In September, the Government announced that support will be provided to businesses up until the end of March 2023, to help them deal with the rising cost of energy bills. The Government also said it will carry out a review to establish which businesses may be eligible for help beyond the initial six-month period. This survey is part of that review.

The review will consider the effectiveness of the scheme so far, which groups remain particularly vulnerable to energy price rises, taking into account those least able to adjust for example, by reducing energy usage or increasing energy efficiency, and how to continue to support those businesses. 

Travel companies can complete the survey here, the deadline for responses is 23:55 on Monday 24th October. Each business should only put in one response to the survey. 

It is really important that, when completing the survey, respondents identify their businesses as being in the travel industry – as this will help BEIS to make assessments about which sectors get further support. 

When prompted, you should enter the SIC code applicable to your business registration with Companies House. For example:

• Travel agency activities - 79110
• Tour operator activities - 79120
• Sea/coastal passenger transport – 50100

You will also be asked for a description of your industry (e.g. travel industry).

Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at ABTA – The Travel Association said:

“The Government wants to hear directly from businesses to inform its review on energy bill support. It is really important that the industry responds to the survey, so that the Government understands the challenges facing the sector, and what rising costs mean for travel businesses. 

“ABTA will also be making the case on behalf of our Members, including sharing the anonymous findings from the recent Future Travel Coalition survey. We’ll also be highlighting that the travel industry was the last to begin its recovery from the pandemic, which is one of the reasons why Government should consider additional support for travel businesses.”   

Notes to editors

ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 3,900 travel brands in Membership who have a combined pre-pandemic annual UK turnover of £40 billion. We work closely with our Members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.

Our Members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. We’ll help you understand your level of financial protection, and what to do next, in the unlikely event that an ABTA Member goes out of business. So whatever happens, when you book with an ABTA Member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our Members brings peace of mind. Together with our Members, we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com.