Responding to a question from TTG at the 2025 Xeinadin Travel Lounge – Leaders in Travel Summit in London on Wednesday (22 October), Hazarika stressed any businesses could get their desired "resolutions" if they lobbied their local MPs, mayors and councils.
She explained businesses could still have success even if they lobbied a MP whose party wasn't in government or aligned with one of England's regional mayors. "Your industry will make it representation through the usual channels," said Hazarika.
"You can get resolutions with all of the political segments. Regional governments as well. The metro mayors are getting more powers, too. They are taking a really big interest in tourism."
But she added: "It's really tough at the moment – there's no denying that."
She outlined the importance of business leaders pinpointing the "top three things" they want from political figures rather than entering meetings with a list of "50 different things".
"When making your case, it's good to be conscious about the top three things you want and thinking about how these things can be advantageous for the government," said Hazarika, adding: "Also keep an open mind – engage with Reform. They are a serious force in British politics."
Looking ahead to the next general election in 2029, Hazarika said: "This is a really febrile time in UK politics. It has always been Labour and Tories in government, but that may no longer be the case."
Broadcaster and Labour peer Ayesha Hazarika on stage at the Xeinadin Travel Lounge – Leaders in Travel Summit 2025 outlines the importance of political lobbying (Credit: TTG)
She continued: "Newspaper proprietors used to decide the elections. The next election will be a social media election and all about who has the best clips and memes.
"People are losing their trust in politics. Immigration is going to be a huge issue. Will rejoining Europe be back on the table? I think we've got to be prepared for the unexpected."
'Don't eat the whole elephant'
Later, Jo Rzymowska, a non-executive director at Hays Travel and former Celebrity Cruises' EMEA managing director, hailed AI as the "most incredible enabler" during a fireside chat with Xeinaden partner and head of travel Jonathan Wall.
"Within the industry, there are people that are really focused on AI," she said. "You can go to different organisations and get their support for your own business. There are organisations that will help you."
But she warned: "Do not eat the whole elephant. Do some AI courses first just to get an understanding of it. There are a lot of things that you need to be aware of. You can get it very badly wrong with AI.
"I would start small and take it bit by bit and get experts involved. It's do or die. I would not spend millions on using AI at the moment."
