UK business travel associations and industry bodies are keen to engage with the newly elected Labour government following Labour’s landslide victory in Thursday’s (4 July) general election.
Scott Davies, CEO of the Institute of Travel Management (ITM), said in a statement: “We hope that responsible business travel will be recognised and supported by the new government as a key catalyst for economic prosperity and as a direct and indirect employer of hundreds of thousands of UK nationals.”
Responding, Clive Ratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, said: “As the new government comes into power, we urge ministers to work together to communicate the new policy to the industry.”
“We stand ready to work with all sectors to protect and grow business travel as a key element of both economic and professional relationships around the world,” he added.
Commenting on behalf of the UK Outbound Travel Group, Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of TMC network The Advantage Travel Partnership, said the election result is “an opportunity for the new government to recognise more than ever the benefits and impact of the outbound travel sector and we look forward to building on the meetings we have had so far with the new Labour team.”
Lo Bue Said added that the group, led by Advantage, AITO and ABTOT, had invited industry leaders to an “industry-wide meeting” to discuss the industry’s political engagement strategy after the election. The meeting is scheduled to take place in London on September 16, 2024.
The group also plans to continue its UK Parliamentary Engagement Programme, inviting local MPs to visit members “around the UK”.
