Burnham will formally take over from Keir Starmer on Monday (20 July) – a month after the former Mayor of Manchester made his return to Westminster as MP for the Makerfield constituency.
His ascent will herald significant changes to UK governance with Burnham likely to name a new cabinet over the coming days to stamp his authority and move on from Starmer's reign.
Abta said it was ready to shift the focus of its parliamentary engagement towards a Burnham-led Labour government, including "continued activity" with civil servants, advisors and government bodies – "as well as with ministers new in post following the announcement of Andy Burnham’s first government this week".
The association on Monday (20 July) said it had held discussions with more than 250 parliamentarians over the past 12 months, with an "active programme" of visits to Abta members from MPs over the summer. It will also join forces with UKinbound to host a reception at the Labour Party conference in September.
During the parliamentary year to 16 July, Abta met with nearly 100 parliamentarians, and delivered briefings for another 160. It met in-person with Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander during a visit to her local Abta member's store, Minister for EU Relations Nick Thomas-Symonds and Shadow Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport, former Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston.
Issues on Abta's agenda include the ongoing review of the Package Travel Regulations, a new tourism growth strategy, the EU Entry-Exit System, sustainable aviation fuel and England's visitor levy. Abta also continues to push for government support for a UK-EU youth mobility agreement to address the posted working provisions lost owing to Brexit.
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In addition, Abta has pledged to "make contact and build relations with new government ministers and their advisors so that the value of outbound travel is recognised in the development of future policy".
Luke Petherbridge, Abta's Director of Public Affairs, said: “Real influence comes when there is a balanced and sustained public affairs programme, where we communicate the needs of Abta members and the value of the outbound tourism sector to ministers, MPs and Lords, as well as civil servants, advisors and other policy influencers.
"As the UK’s next prime minister starts his work, we will continue ours, communicating to government the best policy environment in which our industry can thrive, and contribute to the UK’s economic growth.”