About Us

Despite the unprecedented disruption, have we as industry leaders invested in establishing the proactive lobbying mechanisms we identified as woefully lacking in 2020 – mechanisms needed to future-proof against potential health emergencies or geopolitical disruptions.

The pandemic’s impact on UK Outbound Travel was catastrophic, particularly for small businesses. Independent travel agencies and tour operators faced extended periods with zero income while managing significant overhead costs. Many family-owned businesses built over decades struggled to survive.

A critical failing was our inability to effectively communicate the sector’s economic significance to policymakers. While other economic sectors received recognition for their fiscal contribution, the UK outbound travel sector – supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and delivering billions to the UK economy – remained poorly understood in Westminster.

The UK Outbound Travel Group was launched in 2023 to address this need and has been set up to ensure that, by strengthening our collective voice now, we can ensure the UK Outbound Travel industry never again faces existential threats without the ability to advocate effectively for its survival and the livelihoods of the thousands who depend on it.

Our Key Asks

UK Outbound Travel exists to ensure the outbound travel sector has a strong voice within Government and the policy environment it needs to thrive. We work with Ministers, MPs, officials and industry stakeholders to champion the issues that matter most to our members and the wider sector.

Our key asks are:

Recognition of the Outbound Travel Sector

We are calling for greater recognition of UK outbound travel as a distinct sector, separate from aviation and the visitor economy, with its own economic contribution, challenges and opportunities. We are also seeking a dedicated Government contact and regular engagement with Ministers and officials to ensure the sector's voice is heard.

A Fair and Modern Regulatory Framework

We want a simplified, cohesive regulatory framework that protects consumers while enabling businesses to grow. This includes reform of the Package Travel Regulations, reducing unnecessary complexity and duplication, and ensuring responsibility for consumer protection is shared fairly across the travel sector.

Support for SMEs

Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the outbound travel sector. We are calling for Government policies that recognise the unique challenges faced by independent and family-run businesses, particularly during periods of crisis and recovery, helping them remain resilient and continue supporting local communities and high streets.

Sustainable Industry Growth

We support practical policy measures that encourage long-term growth, improve consumer choice and make travel more affordable. This includes exploring reforms such as the redistribution of school holiday dates to help spread demand more evenly throughout the year, while maintaining the same amount of teaching time.

Stronger Partnership with Government

We want to strengthen collaboration between Government and the outbound travel industry through regular dialogue, constituency visits and evidence-based policymaking. By providing robust industry data, economic insight and market intelligence, we can help inform better policy decisions that support both businesses and consumers.

Today the group comprises: The Advantage Travel Partnership (ATP), The Specialist Travel Association (AITO) the Government approved bonding association (ABTOT), who together represent some 700 independent agents and some 600 independent and specialist operators, The Travel Specialist Consultancy Limited and Attraction Tickets Ltd, Specialist Holidays Group and PT Trustee Ltd.