The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has shared its expert evidence with the COVID-19 Inquiry, which is now featured in a newly published report. The report, released on 16 February 2026, underscores the profound impact the pandemic had on the travel industry, which ABTA claims was affected "like no other" sector.
ABTA participated in a roundtable discussion as part of its engagement with the inquiry, aiming to shed light on how pandemic measures affected travel businesses. The association acknowledged the priority of protecting public health but criticised the lack of consideration for the operational realities of the travel industry. Financial support was another focal point, with ABTA noting that travel businesses struggled to utilise furlough schemes due to the need to manage cancellations. The association's lobbying efforts were crucial in securing grant support for travel agents, although other sectors, such as coach and tour operators, received no national support.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive of ABTA, stated, “The travel industry felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic like no other sector. When travel shut down, unlike most other businesses, travel companies couldn’t pivot—no international travel meant no revenue.” He emphasised the importance of the inquiry hearing from the industry to ensure future policy responses balance public health with business needs.
The report also acknowledges the role of Refund Credit Notes, an initiative by ABTA that gained support from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Government, helping to stabilise travel businesses and reassure consumers financially. As the industry continues to recover, ABTA's insights aim to inform more balanced policy-making in potential future crises
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