Aito chair Chris Rowles described Merriman’s appointment to the post at the Department for Transport "the perfect role" for the former chair of parliament’s transport select committee.
"He simply ‘gets’ travel, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the huge challenges we’ve faced over the past several years," said Rowles.
"He’s taken the time to attend Aito meetings and has seen members of Aito, both specialist travel agents and specialist tour operators, near despair at their struggle to keep their businesses going and their staff employed after decades of hard work."
Rowles said Merriman was aware of agents’ and operators’ "total dedication" to customer service, as well as their "frustration" at rules and regulations implemented by those in government "who simply don’t understand" the sector.
"Travel needs real know-how and understanding from those in power; we are the seed-bed for the businesses of the future," Rowles continued. "We need poor legislation to be addressed by people who comprehend and care about the consequences of laws created by those outside the industry itself."
He urged those in key ministerial positions to meet with Aito and other industry bodies to ensure they "understand how the industry works".
‘Helping hand’
Meanwhile, Aito executive director, Martyn Sumners, said Merriman will use his "experience, understanding and support" of the sector to educate and influence other ministerial colleagues.
"Huw Merriman’s well-deserved appointment to the role may well start to see recognition of the value of outbound travel within government," he said.
"We need government recognition and a helping hand to ensure that we continue to deliver such huge benefits to the UK economy."
