‘Critical need’ for accessible educational travel highlighted by Abtot member

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (Abtot) is stepping up its parliamentary lobbying by highlighting the “critical need” for accessible educational travel.

Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley visited association member Activ4 School Tours as part of a broader member advocacy programme.

The aim is to connect local travel businesses with policymakers to ensure the travel industry’s voice is heard at all levels of government. 

Abtot wants to secure better recognition for the economic and social value that specialist travel providers bring to the UK.

As a member of the UK Outbound Travel Group coalition, Abtot also works collaboratively to lobby for the interests of outbound travel businesses. 

They are highlighting issues such as navigating the impact of new border schemes such as the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information Authorisation System (Etias).

The collective effort seeks to ensure that the specific challenges of the sector, from border complexities to student accessibility, remain a priority for Parliament.

Samantha Bradbury, membership director of 400-member Abtot, added: “This visit is part of a strategic series of MP engagements with Abtot-protected travel organisers. 

“These meetings are vital; they don’t just showcase our members’ excellence, they force a spotlight on the significant regulatory and financial hurdles currently stifling the industry - pressures that the government has the direct power to alleviate."

Activ4 managing director Steve Scott said: "It was a valuable opportunity to highlight the importance of school trips and the practical challenges our sector faces. 

“We look forward to continuing this dialogue with Julia to ensure educational travel remains accessible and viable for schools across the UK."

Buckley added: "It was wonderful to meet such a thriving nationwide business in my constituency. 

"The team is passionate about helping young people explore the world, and I was particularly touched by their commitment to supporting neurodiverse children to navigate these fabulous opportunities."