09 Jul
2020

Not nearly enough…

Yesterday, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, delivered his “Summer Statement” in the House of Commons to outline additional Government policies to support businesses during this continued crisis. 

The Statement showed that the Government is willing and able to give tailored support to sectors in particular need, which is what ABTA has been calling for, and yet there was no acknowledgement of the difficulties faced by the aviation and outbound tourism sectors, which are not only businesses and employers in their own right, but essential parts of extended supply chains across the country. 

Whilst the steps announced to reduce VAT for domestic tourism and hospitality, which come into effect from next Monday, are welcome, the recent restart of international travel to some destinations does not mean that the dire COVID situation is anywhere near resolution. There is a long road ahead, but to travel that road the aviation and outbound sectors need immediate support, and we shall continue to press the Government for urgent and meaningful intervention.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive