In a new blog, Tanzer welcomed prime minister Boris Johnson’s “roadmap” for ending the current Covid-19 restrictions which he said was a “rare bit of good news for the industry”.
He raised the pressure on chancellor Rishi Sunak, who is due to deliver his Budget next Wednesday (3 March), by again calling for specific support for the industry.
“This week’s positive news needs to be reinforced by the chancellor in his Budget speech next week,” said Tanzer.
“With 12 months of lost income, travel remaining at a complete standstill and this year’s ski season and Easter holiday lost to the pandemic, difficult months still lie ahead and we need the government to support the industry through this time.
“It was encouraging to hear Boris Johnson on Monday give some recognition to travel, tourism and aviation being among the hardest hit sectors by the pandemic.
“The chancellor now needs to use the Budget next week to act by extending furlough, VAT deferrals, and business rates relief for those sectors that will face a more gradual recovery, such as the travel industry.
“We also continue to call for tailored support in the form of grants which are available to all travel businesses.”
Tanzer added that Abta would be “contributing to the work of the Global Travel Taskforce being led by the transport secretary Grant Shapps to make sure the views of our members are heard”.
Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel, called for the chancellor to announce measures such as a further deferral of VAT payments next week.
“As they say, cash flow is king, so steps to help small businesses manage cash flow would go a long way to help small businesses,” he said. “As an example, an additional deferral of VAT payments would be a big boost."
