Trade plans new lobby group to rival ABTA

A rival lobbying group to ABTA representing some of the UK's biggest travel agencies could be set up ahead of this year's general election. It is feared the move could undermine ABTA's attempts to influence government policy as it prepares to take its first manifesto to the House of Lords next month. Institute of Travel and Tourism chairman Steven Freudmann has organized a meeting at the end of February to discuss establishing a lobbying group.

It is understood those due to attend believe there could be some merit in establishing a proactive lobbying group. The development follows claims last week by online travel agencies, including Holiday Discount Centre, that ABTA was being too heavily influenced by Thomas Cook and TUI over reform of the European Package Travel Directive and UK ATOL regulations. The online agents voiced concerns about ABTA's argument that travel organizers that assemble and sell holiday arrangements should fall under the expanded regulation regime. However, the formation of the proposed new group has prompted criticism from ABTA that it could jeopardize the industry's efforts to present a united front when lobbying government. ABTA chairman John McEwan said he would not feel "comfortable" about another lobbying group being set up. "One of the weaknesses of the industry in the past has been its fragmented approach; now we have an opportunity with ABTA to speak with a unified voice," he said. "ABTA has worked very closely with other associations to make sure we are as cohesive as possible.

"Online travel agencies have had every opportunity to contribute their views. I would not see the value in multiple contacts on the lobbying front."

ABTA has ramped up its lobbying efforts in recent months with the appointment of head of public affairs Luke Pollard. The association is also to unveil a manifesto at the House of Lords in March, a key strand of which will be a call for a designated tourism minister. Pollard said: "Not having any one person responsible for travel allows the government very legitimately to say 'this is not our responsibility'."

The manifesto will form the basis of conversations the trade organization will have with all three political parties and set out what it wants from the next government.

It is widely believed Gordon Brown will call a general election for May 6, to coincide with local elections that day.