The association was reacting to a report released today (January 25) by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee into the possible influence of Brexit on the creative industries, tourism and the digital single market.

According to the cross-party report, which includes evidence from Abta, Thomas Cook, easyJet and the Airport Operators Association, the government “should recognise that it needs to provide certainty to an industry that is already marketing holidays for summer 2019 and for the consumers who will purchase them”.

The committee concluded that although it believed reaching an early agreement on aviation was a “key priority for the government”, ministers “must provide an assurance that contingency plans are being made in the event of no deal being agreed” and also “provide more information as to what any contingency arrangements would mean for businesses and travellers”.

Mark Tanzer, Abta chief executive, said the association was pleased the committee “has recognised the significant value tourism brings to the UK economy” and the need to make progress on aviation arrangements as part of the Brexit negotiations.

He stressed however that aviation access across Europe was a “critical issue” for the travel sector and the need to secure a deal was “a matter of urgency”.

Without an air agreement currently in place, Tanzer said it was becoming “increasingly difficult” for businesses to plan ahead and delivering a deal “would provide some certainty for travel companies and help protect consumer confidence”.