Industry ‘must avoid being a constant punching bag’

The travel industry must do better at educating politicians and other policy makers or risk being a “constant punching bag”, Advantage Travel Partnership CEO

Julia Lo Bue-Said told delegates at the consortium’s conference in Madeira in April.

Speaking during the two-day conference, she said: “The pandemic taught me to never assume policymakers know your market, but is that because we haven’t been educating them? The pandemic also showcased the complexities of the industry, how regulation in a crisis is not fit for purpose, and how the supply chain can hang agents and consumers out to dry but also how the industry can work in unity as a collective.”

At the end of 2021, Advantage called for the formation of an industry-wide group to represent the UK Outbound Travel sector.

“My vision was to create one single united voice at all levels across government departments and key stakeholders,” said Lo Bue-Said.“We need to educate across the political spectrum, ensure the outbound sector gets the visibility it deserves, in both social, cultural and economic importanc, and make sure that travel is seen as a business sector in its own right.”

Since the call to action, a number of organisations have registered to support the initiative.

“We have also met with former cabinet minister Steve Norris, talked with public affairs experts and other stakeholders to gauge views and gather input.

“There is a recognition that the sector needs to think differently, do better at representing itself or expect exactly the same outcome next time.”

She said the travel industry must not be ‘swept under the carpet, forgotten or put itself in a position of being a constant punching bag’. “Tough times are far from over. Our entire ecosystem needs protecting against future economic shocks, some of which are about to reach our doorstep,” she told Advantage members.