The trade body’s Future Travel Coalition urged travel companies on Thursday (30 November) to complete the survey, stressing that having tangible evidence from businesses “really makes a difference to the conversations with politicians,” especially ahead of the next general election. 

“It’s important we continue to work with politicians from all parties, and officials, to demonstrate the value our amazing industry brings not just to consumers, but jobs and economies locally and nationally,” said Abta’s public affairs director Luke Petherbridge.

Politicians, Petherbridge said, need to be reminded that many companies, despite performing well in the past year, are still burdened by the debts incurred during the pandemic.

“To be effective and influential we need the evidence from travel businesses on how things are going,” he added. “I can’t stress enough just how valuable the input of travel agents and tour operators is into the survey.”

The survey comes as chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined his plan for growing the economy in last week’s autumn statement, focusing on freezing the small business multiplier for another year as well as extending the 75% business rates discount for retail, hospitality and leisure.

“The extension of business rates support will benefit many travel agents and it’s encouraging that the government has listened to our calls in that area,” said Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer on 22 November.

"This continued support will help companies as they continue to recover, especially as businesses are operating against the backdrop of high inflation and increased costs.”