Abta News
Six in Ten UK Conservative MPs believe reduction in APD should be considered
Six in Ten (61%) Conservative MPs believe a reduction in Air Passenger Duty (APD) should be considered to stimulate growth according to a new survey published today by ABTA - The Travel Association, also a member of A Fair Tax on Flying campaign. It comes as over 250k emails have been sent to MPs from UK residents and foreign travellers asking for a review of the impacts of APD on UK jobs and growth and 96 MPs have signed an EDM calling for such a review.
ABTA: Pilgrims should avoid unlicensed travel companies when booking Hajj trips
With 25,000 pilgrims estimated to be heading overseas to Saudi Arabia from the UK for Hajj which takes place between 24 & 29 October 2012, ABTA is warning all potential Hajj pilgrims about the dangers of booking with unlicensed travel companies, which every year sees individuals paying for travel arrangements that are sub-standard, or in the worst cases, non-existent, leaving victims out of pocket by thousands of pounds.
ABTA comments on UK government eeshuffle
Responding to the Ministerial changes announced by the Prime Minister today, Luke Pollard, Head of Public Affairs at ABTA – The Travel Association said:
Delegates urged to book accommodation now for 2012 Travel Convention
ABTA is reminding delegates not to delay booking their accommodation for the 2012 Travel Convention in Turkey. On Wednesday 5 September any unsold discounted accommodation at both the five star Cornelia and Susesi resorts will be released back onto general sale and with the all-inclusive nature of the resorts delegates must stay in either hotel to be able to attend the Convention.
Notting Hill Carnival highlights cost of tax to Caribbean
London is hosting the biggest Carnival in Europe this weekend which celebrates the UK’s rich Caribbean cultural heritage and generations of shared history. However, these ties are under pressure, with thousands being priced out of trips to and from the Caribbean by the UK’s sky high rates of aviation tax which have contributed to a 17% drop in visits to the Caribbean and a 32% drop from the islands to the UK over the last 5 years.
1.8 million Brits set to go abroad for August bank holiday
1.8 million British holidaymakers are set to head overseas during the August Bank Holiday, according to travel association ABTA. Spain and Greece continue to be popular with many holidaymakers who are hoping to escape the British weather and take advantage of the strong Pound.
Taking action to help prevent balcony incidents in popular overseas resorts
There have been 13 incidents of young people falling from balconies so far this year. Three of these cases resulted in death while others have been seriously injured. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and ABTA – The Travel Association, have joined forces on a campaign to help prevent balcony incidents among young people in popular holiday resorts.
ABTA responds to Secretary of State speech on UK Tourism
ABTA – The Travel Association today responds to a speech by Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on UK Tourism, outlining a number of initiatives aimed at supporting domestic and inbound tourism in the UK.
ABTA: The great parliamentary summer getaway
The third ABTA annual MP Holiday survey reveals today that all of the MPs and Peers who responded will be taking a summer holiday this year with half joining the Prime Minister and his Deputy in going overseas. David Cameron and Nick Clegg will be holidaying on the continent and the members of the House of Lords will also be doing their best to help the Eurozone’s economic problems with over half [53%] heading to Europe.
Brits’ holiday plans during the Olympics unveiled
ABTA - The Travel Association reveals today that around nine million of the adult population (19%) will be taking a holiday during the Olympics, either in the UK or abroad. About 5% of the population are still undecided about taking a break, meaning that over two million people may be tempted to book a last minute holiday.
ABTA: The great school summer getaway
ABTA – The Travel Association estimates that two million British holidaymakers headed overseas for the first weekend of the summer holidays for the majority of English schools (20-23 July).
ABTA reveals latest speaker for 2012 travel convention in Turkey
With only three months to go until The 2012 Travel Convention, ABTA is delighted to reveal today the latest of the key speakers who will be appearing in Belek, Turkey.