Luke Petherbridge, Abta’s director of public affairs, welcomed the Scottish government’s announcement on Thursday (10 February) that it would provide £3.5 million in support to outbound travel agencies.
“Abta and individual members, as well as industry partners, have been lobbying to secure this additional money for a number of weeks and it is welcome that ministers have now recognised the detrimental impact that Omicron travel restrictions had on businesses in our sector,” said Petherbridge in response to the Scottish government’s plan.
“Abta will work closely with officials and industry partners to seek a scheme structure that supports as many travel businesses as possible, and we’ll be working hard to provide evidence and share expertise over the coming days.”
The industry has also been boosted by the removal of all testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers from 4am on Friday (11 February).
Petherbridge said Abta would continue lobbying governments across the UK to ensure “future travel rules provide the stability required to rebuild confidence and get people travelling again in greater numbers”.
“We’re not out of the woods yet and we’ll continue to work hard to represent Abta member interests over the weeks and months ahead,” he added.
The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) said the trade in Scotland was “greatly relieved” by the news of the extra financial support from the Scottish government.
