As part of its #ValueTourism campaign, the association will contact more than 2,000 politicians up for election to highlight “the value of tourism to the local and national economy.”
The information it will send future MPs covers a number of areas within the industry including outbound, inbound and domestic travel.
Candidates will be asked to share their support for the tourism industry on social media, and Abta said it would follow up with individuals who become MPs after the country goes to the polls on June 8.
The association has also created a template email for its members to personalise and share with their local candidates to highlight how candidates can better support the travel industry.
Abta said it hoped the campaign would help to build relationships within Westminster and secure support for the travel and tourism sector on issues such as Brexit and the fight to tackle a rise in fake holiday sickness claims.
It builds on Abta’s previous #ValueTourism campaign launched in the run up to the 2015 general election.
Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive said: “It’s vital that candidates understand the value of tourism. We want them to be advocates for our industry, should they be elected. They are many important issues that we will need the new government to address, including the five Brexit priorities we have set out in our recent report, as well as concerns such as airport capacity and the need to reduce Air Passenger Duty.
“We shall also continue to put pressure on newly appointed ministers to take swift action against the rise in fraudulent holiday sickness claims, a critical issue for Abta members as we move into high season.
“Candidates that understand the value of tourism to their local constituents are more likely to be motivated to help the industry address these issues.”
