This week my colleagues and I have been out and about at industry events, representing the interests of members and shaping conversations about UK outbound travel.  

I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak at a pre-conference event in Madrid, ahead of FITUR, about the changing face of the UK’s tourism industry and the value it adds to our economy and to destinations. Spain remains the number one destination for UK holidaymakers, and we have a very constructive working relationship with the Spanish Tourist Office. 

ABTA’s Susan Deer continued the discussion on stage at the conference, talking about how ABTA is working with members to drive forward the sustainable tourism agenda, and the breadth of issues this encompasses - from decarbonisation to animal welfare. Susan emphasised that it is only by working together – travel businesses and destinations – that we’ll be able to really transform into a more sustainable industry. 

Last night ABTA’s Director of Legal Affairs, Simon Bunce, joined other legal experts on a panel at TravLaw’s annual Big Tent Event. Simon discussed the reviews of the package travel regulations in the UK and EU,  and how ABTA is working on behalf of members to represent their interests.

The knowledge and insight we share at these industry events represent a fraction of the expertise we have available to ABTA members. The whole ABTA team is here to help your business thrive, both by driving forward the agenda on important issues, as outlined above, and by providing you with advice and guidance, through our resources, on a one-to-one basis andthough  our events programme.