ABTA Plans Attendance at Six UK Party Conferences

ABTA will attend the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Reform, Plaid Cymru and SNP party conferences over the coming weeks.

The six conferences represent the most party conferences ABTA has attended in one year. Its Public Affairs team plans to meet with MPs, elected representatives from devolved administrations, members of the House of Lords and party officials.

The conferences will take place as Parliament returns after the summer recess, amid political changes across the U.K., including the new Labour administration in Westminster, the SNP minority administration at Holyrood and the first Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government in Cardiff.

Discussions with politicians and decision-makers will address the competitiveness of the U.K. travel industry, including taxation, rising business-related costs and the U.K.’s position in aviation and travel.

The association also plans to highlight the travel industry’s economic contribution and discuss policies affecting the sector. Its team will meet with travel industry stakeholders, including airlines, airports and other travel organizations.

At the Labour Party conference, ABTA and UKinbound will host a joint tourism reception for representatives from the tourism industry and political stakeholders. The reception will be one of the first opportunities to engage with ministers appointed under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The party conference activity forms part of ABTA’s political and policy engagement program. Over the past 12 months, the association has interacted with more than 250 parliamentarians, including about 100 in-person meetings.

The conferences will also provide an opportunity to discuss the October budget, the first under the new prime minister and chancellor.