Three years on from when the UK officially left the European Union, Tanzer said outstanding challenges brought by Brexit will be a focus for Abta’s public affairs and lobbying activity, particularly regarding employee mobility.
Leaving the EU meant the travel industry could no longer have UK staff within the EU under the Posted Workers Directive, meaning UK nationals were limited to 90 days in any 180-day period when working in the EU.
The new rules have proved challenging for lorry drivers, coach drivers, resort reps and tour guides.
Tanzer said a "sensible and realistic" approach to employing staff overseas under the newly adopted directive would be by expanding the Youth Mobility Scheme.
"And while it doesn’t solve the matter entirely, it would be a good bridging solution allowing young people from the UK to work in the EU, and vice versa, helping to address some of the staffing – and also expertise – gaps experienced by both the outbound and inbound sectors," Tanzer added.
Other issues which Tanzer is keen to raise with government is the EU’s entry and exit checks, which are due to come in at the end of the year alongside a new e-visa regime.
"We’re urging both sides to reach agreement on mutual recognition of professional qualifications," Tanzer continued.
"Some issues are not easy to resolve. For example, the 90 in 180-day rule is particularly tricky for coach drivers, who often spend more than 180 days a year in Europe, but do not have the option of applying for visas in any member state."
