The FTC is seeking insight and feedback from member businesses through its latest biannual state of the industry survey launched on Thursday (25 April), with a general election likely in the second half of the year.

The latest survey will seek to establish the outlook for bookings, understand any recruitment challenges, and gauge level and status of debt taken on by the trade during the pandemic.

Some 14 associations comprise the FTC, including Aito, the Advantage Travel Partnership, the Travel Network Group, Clia, the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association and Seasonal Businesses in Travel.

Members of all 14 associations are invited to participate. The deadline for responses is 10 May. Abta said the findings would be used by coalition partners to support their ongoing engagement with government official and politicians of all parties.

Luke Petherbridge, Abta’s director of public affairs, said: "Our biannual surveys play an incredibly important role in ensuring we have the evidence and data required to engage with officials and ministers.

"I would urge everyone to support the survey and to provide feedback on booking trends, as well as the latest conditions for recruitment and staffing."

Abta last week set out its Manifesto for Travel and Tourism with the aim of seeking the change needed to position the UK as a leader in sustainable travel; promote careers within travel and tourism; and create the conditions for the travel industry to compete successfully.

One of its key aims, to strike up a youth mobility arrangement with the EU following the end of posted working, edged closer last week after the EU Commission put forward a proposal to kick off talks over a youth mobility scheme.

Petherbridge wrote for TTG on the issue earlier this week, claiming Abta’s work has helped the industry "move the dial" on the issue.