This time last year the travel industry was at a standstill, with continuing restrictions because of COVID-19. This year we head into peaks after a strong summer of trading. The industry still faces challenges but Members are cautiously optimistic that demand remains for next year, despite the squeeze on consumer finances, and lots of people have already secured their holidays for 2023.

As always, ABTA has been working hard to support Members throughout the year – making the case to Government on why travel businesses need support and securing that through the extension of business rates relief for retail travel businesses and help with energy bills. 

It was fantastic to be able to launch our report – ‘International Travel: Powering the UK economy’ – which demonstrates the enormous contribution the travel industry makes to the UK in supporting jobs, taxes to the Exchequer and local economies. It’s evidence such as this, and a constructive and solutions-based approach to lobbying, that gives us the credibility with Government you need as the voice of travel.

We’ve also been on hand to help Members respond to emerging issues – providing operational bulletins with important updates and insights to Members on developments around the world as they happen – and offer advice on Members’ legal obligations. We have maintained a strong and regular presence in the media to provide a stable and reassuring voice to travellers through periods of uncertainty.

Developing a sustainable travel industry is at the core of ABTA’s business plan for the next three years. We’ve made progress on this by providing guidance and practical advice through our free e-learning, a new training course accredited by the Carbon Literacy Project, and the Climate Action Guidebook – which helps leaders identify the actions they can take to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. Sustainability will continue to be an important part of our work in 2023.

ABTA is your trade association – we are at the side and on the side of our Members. We look forward to doing all we can to continue that support in 2023, and wish all our Members a prosperous new year.

Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive