ABTA and Seasonal Businesses in Travel Support Youth Mobility Agreement Between United Kingdom and European Commission

ABTA and Seasonal Businesses in Travel (SBiT) are expressing their support for the recent recommendation by the European Commission to the Council to initiate discussions with the United Kingdom concerning a youth mobility scheme. Both groups have actively advocated for this initiative in both Brussels and Westminster.

This potential agreement on youth mobility would simplify the process for young Britons to temporarily live, work, and study in Europe, generally for up to two years, without requiring a full visa, and similarly for young Europeans wishing to enter the UK.

The travel sector has experienced significant impacts due to post-Brexit limitations affecting the mobility of young individuals. According to research conducted last year by ABTA and SBiT, there has been a 69% reduction in UK nationals employed in tourism roles throughout Europe since Brexit. This decrease is attributed to the new visa and work permit requirements for UK citizens to fill common tourism positions, like travel representatives or chalet hosts.

The industry groups emphasize that having UK staff in EU holiday resorts is crucial for supporting British travelers abroad. They also highlight the mutual advantages of such mobility arrangements for enhancing both inbound and domestic tourism enterprises within the UK.

Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs at ABTA – The Travel Association said:

“We strongly welcome today’s announcement and urge the UK government to be ready to begin negotiations should the Commission’s proposal be accepted by the Member States.

Post-Brexit restrictions on UK-EU labour mobility have undoubtedly been detrimental to the UK travel and tourism industry, whether outbound, inbound or domestic. However, the impacts are being most keenly felt by young people, who are now less able to access the roles that have previously proven a springboard for successful careers, as well as providing enriching and rewarding experiences.

ABTA has long argued that youth mobility should be a priority for both sides as we seek to rebuild relations post-Brexit, and we hope that negotiations can now begin quickly.”

Charles Owen, Managing Director of Seasonal Businesses in Travel said:

“A reciprocal youth mobility scheme is a win-win for both Europe and the UK, and in particular for UK travel businesses operating in the EU.

“Momentum is building to get this deal done and we implore the Prime Minister to engage in conversations with the outbound industry to prepare for the upcoming nefoations appropriately. This is a serious economic and cultural issue”.

The post ABTA and Seasonal Businesses in Travel Support Youth Mobility Agreement Between United Kingdom and European Commission appeared first on Travel And Tour World.



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