Research revealed by ABTA today shows that over three quarters of MPs believe the government should do more to develop domestic, inbound and outbound tourism in order to create new jobs. Seven in ten MPs also agree that the government should give equal importance to all tourism sectors: domestic, inbound and outbound, a rise of two per cent from a poll of MPs a year earlier.

With the Chancellor expected to announce a further hike in Air Passenger Duty (APD) this Wednesday, a new ABTA survey¹ reveals today that almost two thirds of the public [64%] think that the current levels of APD are already set too high. Only one in five [19%] think that current levels are set at about the right level and a tiny 4%, think that UK flyers do not pay enough tax.

When it comes to booking holidays online many people are using their mobile devices to book, according to the latest research* from ABTA. When asked what device they used when booking a holiday online in the last twelve months (either through a travel agent, tour operator, bookings engine or direct), nearly a quarter (24%) of people had used a mobile phone or tablet device, such as an iPad.  Although the PC/Laptop remains the device of choice, used by 89%* of people who booked a holiday online.

As the world’s key players in the travel and tourism industry have gathered at World Travel Market in London this week, ABTA is calling for the international community to join the campaign against further increases in the UK’s Air Passenger Duty (APD).

The Travel Association today announced that Kane Pirie, CEO of Travel Republic, has stepped down from the ABTA Board of Directors. Kane joined the ABTA Board in October 2010 as an appointed (non-elected) Director.

ABTA – the Travel Association has submitted its formal response to the Transport Select Committee Inquiry into Aviation Strategy, emphasising the need for the Government to urgently develop a sustainable strategy for airport capacity.