Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, spokesperson for The UK Outbound Travel Group:
Whilst we welcome some of the measures announced today, particularly on business rates, the Chancellor has missed a clear opportunity to back travel, a sector that is already delivering the growth this Government wants to see. If Ministers are serious about boosting the economy and easing pressure on household budgets, they should start with the costs they control directly, such as Air Passenger Duty, which is set to rise again next April and will only push up the cost of holidays for hard-pressed families.
“The 3.9% increase in the National Living Wage from April 2027 will also add to employment costs. Businesses need the right conditions to absorb those increases while continuing to invest in jobs and training. We welcome the opportunity to shape the future of the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme through the Government’s call for evidence.
“Outbound travel is one of the UK’s quiet success stories, sustaining hundreds of thousands of jobs and adding tens of billions to the economy. With the right support, the sector can do even more, including helping tackle the number of young people not in education, employment or training by providing routes into work and opportunities to build lasting careers.”
