More than 1,650 people have now signed TTG’s letter to transport secretary Grant Shapps and chancellor Rishi Sunak, calling for immediate government support for the sector.
Aito, the association of independent tour operators, joined Abta in backing #SaveTravel this week, with executive director Martyn Sumners accusing of failing to listen to the sector, or consult with it on its pleas.
"It’s very sad our travel industry has been put in this tragic situation by a government that has chosen not to listen and does not understand – or perhaps does not want to understand – our industry," he said.
"They seem to think the industry revolves around half a dozen large tour operators and airlines, which could not be further from the truth; it is the small and medium-sized companies that are the lifeblood of the UK travel industry."
Sumners said while welcome, the government’s financial assistance schemes were only a "temporary lifeline" for many businesses.
"If our industry of specialist companies, such as Aito members, is to survive, this assistance needs to be extended and to be tailored to those businesses that need it most," said Sumners. "One-size-fits-all solutions have not, in the main, worked for Aito members.
"We are delighted to get behind this TTG campaign to #SaveTravel as the louder we all shout, from as many rooftops as possible, the greater the chance of being heard. We shall be encouraging all members to support it too.
"Let’s hope the government is prepared to listen this time, and to consult with us going forward. The industry’s advice and know-how could make the government’s efforts count for so much more and, importantly, may well help them to get it right first time around where travel and tourism is concerned."
#SaveTravel is also highlighting the concerns of the UK’s inbound tourism sector. Joss Croft, chief executive of UKinbound, said the association "fully supported" the #SaveTravel campaign. “Together, we are stronger," he said.
"We know tourism businesses across the UK, that serve both the inbound and outbound markets, are on their knees. Further jobs will be lost, and businesses will collapse without specific sector support for tourism.
“We’re asking our members to stand with our colleagues across the industry and support this campaign. Uniting as one sends a clear message to government that failing to act will have catastrophic effects on industries that generate tens of billions for the UK economy.”
’Millions of jobs at risk’
ITT chair Steven Freudmann said: "The government’s travel policy is a total shambles. There is no engagement with our industry whatsoever.
"To revoke the quarantine-free corridor to Spain and to issue new FCO advice with just a few hours’ notice is unfair to both the travel industry and its customers. Most of Spain has a lower rate of infection than Manchester or North Wales.
"We are calling for a more nuanced and regional approach. We are also calling for a concerted testing regime across all airports in order to avoid unnecessary quarantine restrictions.
"Millions of jobs are at stake so everyone should be supporting the SaveTravel campaign."
Stuart Leven, vice-president, EMEA and managing director of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, added: "Our industry has been impacted more than most, and needs more support."
Others backing the campaign so far include the UK’s two largest travel agent consortia, The Travel Network Group and the Advantage Travel Partnership, as well as Brian Young, managing director of G Adventures, and Derek Jones, chief executive of Kuoni parent Der Touristik UK.
