It has been a busy start to the year already, and the pace of policy and regulatory change affecting the travel industry shows no sign of slowing. As ABTA start 2026, Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive  wanted to briefly reflect on how they’ve been representing members’ interests, and what they’ll be focusing on next.

Over the past year, the Public Affairs team responded to 25 consultations on behalf of the industry, covering areas such as the review of the Package Travel Regulations (PTRs), changes to price transparency rules, accessibility, and the UK–EU relationship. From these representations ABTA has seen welcome moves toward a deal on UK-EU youth mobility, the avoidance of major changes to the PTRs, and ABTA’s active involvement in the government’s ongoing aviation accessibility workstreams.  

They’ve also engaged directly with more than 100 parliamentarians since the general election in July 2024, helping to ensure policymakers understand both the value of travel to the UK economy and the practical realities of running travel businesses. This includes several member visits hosted around the country, in addition to the regular Westminster engagement programme.

One of the biggest changes facing the industry currently is the introduction of the EU’s Entry and Exit System (EES), which is expected to be followed by ETIAS later this year. ABTA is meeting with the Cabinet Office shortly to discuss how the rollout is progressing and will continue to feedback members’ experiences and insights across Government, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Department for Transport, and the Home Office. ABTA continue to update the advice for members so you have the latest information and can prepare with confidence.

Looking ahead, the priorities over the next six months (in addition to EES and ETIAS) will include the UK–EU relationship - ahead of the next UK–EU Summit, work on industry skills challenges, consumer protection, sustainability, and accessibility. On accessibility, ABTA remain closely involved in the Government’s Aviation Accessibility Implementation Group and the Maritime Passenger Accessibility Network to support improvements across both aviation and cruise. ABTA is also working with CLIA, the Chamber of Shipping, and Government to support the delivery of the UK Cruise Growth Plan, alongside the ongoing engagement with members across aviation and maritime through the forums and events.

All of this work is focused on one thing: making sure your interests are represented where decisions are being made, and that regulation works with the industry rather than against it. ABTA will continue to engage early, speak clearly on your behalf, and keep you informed as 2026 unfolds.