Tuesday 16 June welcomed the first ever sector-specific UK Outbound Travel Group Westminster Reception held in the House of Commons.
The event was organised by Julia Lo Bue–Said, OBE and CEO at Advantage Travel Partnership, and was hosted by Bambos Charalambous MP, alongside minister for Tourism, Stephanie Peacock MP, one of the keynote speakers.
Northern Ireland’s Travel Industry was represented by Damian Murphy, Managing Director of Terra Travel Ltd and co–chair of ANITA and we caught up with him for an insight into the event.
“The UK Outbound Travel Group was established following the pandemic to highlight the significant contribution of UK outbound travel to the economy, a sector whose impact is frequently overlooked. The sector itself contributes approximately £84 billion annually to the UK economy and at a time when online booking platforms and Al tools are becoming commonplace, the value of trusted professional advice has never been clearer.” Said Murphy.
He continued,
“The group is aiming to gain greater recognition for UK outbound travel along with giving consideration to a redistribution of school term dates to spread demand and to help families afford to travel.
“The event was about the connection between Parliament and an industry that serves millions of people in hundreds of constituencies across the UK.
“Carla Lockhart MP was also there and I managed to speak to her once again to convey the dismay of our sector in Northern Ireland at the ongoing lack of recognition and the apparent lack of interest in fitting our sector into a relevant department. I would like to thank Carla for her ongoing support.
“The event was the brainchild of Julia Lo Bue–Said OBE and on behalf of us all I thank her for her ongoing drive and determination to gain better recognition for us all. I think the event was a great success and is another step forward for outbound travel.”
