In an opening address on Saturday (30 April), Lo Bue-Said told delegates in Madeira the pandemic had shone a light on the complexities of the travel industry, the inadequacy of certain regulations, and the sector’s lack of rapport with government.
Last year, the Advantage chief executive set out her vision for a UK outbound travel forum – akin to UKhospitality – which will promote unity throughout the trade and the wider travel industry, and aim to change the way in which travel interacts with Westminster.
"In some respects, the last couple of years has widened the lens in which we at Advantage see the sector," said Lo Bue-Said. "We embarked on high-profile campaigns across the trade, government and consumer media increasing our voice exponentially. It’s given us a seat around the table and a voice to champion the human touch points required as a critical booking channel within the UK outbound sector."
Lo Bue-Said said one of her key pandemic learnings was to never assume policy makers know your market, adding – however – that this could in part be due to travel’s failure to properly educate them.
She also stressed how Covid had highlighted the complexities of the industry, the inadequacy of certain elements of the way in which it is regulated, and how the supply chain can "hang agents and consumers out to dry".
She highlighted recent hearings of, and reports from, the transport select committee, "albeit once the horse had bolted". "My vision is to create one single, united voice, similar to how the hospitality sector operates through their focused engagement at all levels across government departments and key stakeholders," said Lo Bue-Said.
"Educating across the political spectrum, ensuring the outbound sector gets the visibility it deserves in both social, cultural and economic importance, and [is] seen as a business sector in its own right."
Lo Bue-Said said a "significant number" of organisations had agreed in principle to support a UK outbound initiative, with input from former government figures, public affairs experts and other stakeholders.
"It is quite clear there is a recognition that the sector needs to think differently [and] do better at representing itself or expect exactly the same outcome next time," she added.
