ABTA calls for high street travel businesses to be included in business rates change
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dhewitt@abta.co.uk Fri, 01/09/2026 - 11:59
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:
“ABTA believes any changes to business rates must benefit all high street retailers, including travel agents. It cannot be right to recognise that proposed reforms do not go far enough and then only extend further help to certain sectors.
“ABTA has consistently called for support for high street agents. We believe that rates should be reformed to ensure these businesses – which are often family run and SMEs – are able to compete fairly.
“Travel companies help a high street thrive – attracting other businesses, supporting community and offering that all important personal connection when booking a holiday, something that remains hugely important despite the online world we operate in. They also make an important contribution to their local economy, including providing jobs and developing skills.”
The outbound travel industry contributes more than £52bn in GVA annually and supports a total of 818,000 jobs across the UK.
Outbound travel – a catalyst for jobs, growth and wellbeing | ABTA
Notes to editors
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 4,300 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.
Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
Full Page image
dhewitt@abta.co.uk Fri, 01/09/2026 - 11:59
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA – The Travel Association said:
“ABTA believes any changes to business rates must benefit all high street retailers, including travel agents. It cannot be right to recognise that proposed reforms do not go far enough and then only extend further help to certain sectors.
“ABTA has consistently called for support for high street agents. We believe that rates should be reformed to ensure these businesses – which are often family run and SMEs – are able to compete fairly.
“Travel companies help a high street thrive – attracting other businesses, supporting community and offering that all important personal connection when booking a holiday, something that remains hugely important despite the online world we operate in. They also make an important contribution to their local economy, including providing jobs and developing skills.”
The outbound travel industry contributes more than £52bn in GVA annually and supports a total of 818,000 jobs across the UK.
Outbound travel – a catalyst for jobs, growth and wellbeing | ABTA
Notes to editors
ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. We’re the largest travel trade body, with over 4,300 travel brands in membership who have a combined annual UK turnover of over £40 billion. We work closely with our members to help raise and maintain standards and build a more sustainable travel industry, and provide travellers with advice, guidance and support.
Our members sign up to a code of conduct and commit to agreed service standards and fair trading. When you need clear travel information, and accurate and impartial advice relating to your trip, we’re here for you. When you book with an ABTA member, reliable advice comes as standard. This means that booking with our members brings peace of mind.
All this together means we help you travel with confidence. www.abta.com
Continue reading...
