ABTA has issued a manifesto urging the government to support all three sectors of the industry – domestic, outbound and inbound – in order to maximise its benefit to the UK economy. Valuing the UK's Tourism Mix, presented to parliament last week, outlines four policy priorities: - Strategic infrastructure support;
- Creating a more competitive product;
- Good regulation for confident customers and businesses;
- Promoting the industry as a key employer.
The paper states new airline connections with the emerging BRIC markets should be encouraged, but warns healthy inbound and outbound markets are required to justify new routes.
The document also puts forward suggestions for new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick, reduced departure taxes, shorter queues at border control, support for SMEs, marketing the UK abroad, and investing in training and skills.
The document also puts forward suggestions for new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick, reduced departure taxes, shorter queues at border control, support for SMEs, marketing the UK abroad, and investing in training and skills.
