ABTA has plans to further strengthen its role in political lobbying, according to chairman John McEwan.
In his closing remarks to the Travel Convention in Barcelona, McEwan revealed that announcements were planned to “beef up” the association’s approach to public affairs.
“We have some big issues to deal with. ABTA’s role is to bring the industry together to lobby,” he told delegates.
ABTA would continue to “plug away” against rises in Air Passenger Duty – the one issue which has unified the industry in opposition.
He indicated that if there is a change in government at the general election, the Conservatives would look at taxing aircraft rather than individual passengers.
McEwan reiterated chief executive Mark Tanzer’s message that ABTA continued to be actively involved with the Civil Aviation Authority and other bodies on new consumer protection measures.
by Phil Davies
