ABTA has called on members to contribute to its lobbying efforts with the Government.

The association is asking agents for bookings data from the past three months that will be used in upcoming talks with officials.

Findings from the anonymous survey will be presented to government representatives to illustrate how tough the winter period has been for the industry.

It is particularly important for retailers in Scotland and Northern Ireland to get involved, ABTA Director of Public Affairs, Luke Petherbridge said.

“2022 has certainly got off to a positive start with the lifting of some restrictions but the preceding months were very challenging as businesses dealt with the fallout of Omicron,” he said.

“The sudden measures introduced by government brought the industry’s recovery to a halt, with bookings drying up as people grappled with the implications of the new travel rules. Travel companies will be feeling the impact of this for quite some time.

“It is important Government are aware of this impact so they can act accordingly, including making grant funding available to help businesses cope with lost trade, and taking the impact of different mitigation measures into account when planning future travel restrictions.”

The argument will be made to government officials with the bookings data used to support the lobbying activities, he added

“It’s particularly important we have this insight from businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland, given that the governments there have yet to make funding available.”

The survey will close on close at 5pm on Tuesday 8 February. The survey can be accessed here.