ABTA has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt MP, outlining the policy priorities for travel and tourism as the Treasury puts together its forthcoming Budget.

Although not held until the first week of March, formal submissions to the Treasury about the Budget must be received by 24 January 2024.

ABTA’s submission emphasises the importance of outbound travel and tourism to the UK economy, and the popularity of overseas holidays with the public. 

Among its requests, ABTA states in its letter that:

1. A review is needed of how the UK’s regulatory, taxation, and business support frameworks can be aligned, so as to help the industry’s transition to net zero and ensure the UK is best placed to maximise associated job creation and economic opportunities.
2. Policy must be co-ordinated to support the establishment of a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) industry, with measures such as a price certainty mechanism being expedited to support the government’s commitment to construct five SAF plants by 2025.
3. Business rates support for retail businesses continues to be important, while many are still paying off Covid-era debts and facing higher operational costs. The association also calls for rates reform to support high street business. 
4. New Youth Mobility Scheme arrangements should be reached with EU countries, to help meet challenges for the sector arising from post-Brexit restrictions on labour mobility.