The Advantage Travel Partnership has set up new body to help shape its government lobbying efforts and provide its members with the opportunity to directly influence policy.
The Advantage Policy Advisory Group (APAG) will be made up of 20 Advantage members, including James O’Donnell, Key Partnership Director at Eton Travel, and Suzanne Horner, CEO of Gray Dawes Group.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, Chief Executive Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “Together with AITO, we have made good progress over the last couple of months in developing our lobbying strategy. The direct engagement with our respective memberships remains vital to ensure that any policy asks are relevant to them and reflect the needs of their businesses.
“The success of our lobbying efforts relies heavily on us all working together to amplify the voice for Outbound Travel amongst the relevant government departments, and our members play a key role in this.”
James O’Donnell added: “During the pandemic, Advantage was such a strong advocate for our industry and worked tirelessly to get our message heard. Advantage is now naturally seen as the industry leader in this area, and their work has opened so many doors and opportunities to raise the profile of the industry.
“I completely support this latest initiative and can’t think of a better vehicle to get our thoughts and needs across to government, think tanks and interested parties.”
The group’s first meeting is set to take place before the end of the year, with subsequent meetings taking place quarterly.
