Online Travel UK reveals policy focus for… | Travolution

OTA association Online Travel UK has pledged to champion the critical benefits online travel companies provide to consumers and the UK economy with the new UK government.

Online Travel UK, also known as OTUK, has shared its mission and key policy focus areas with a new brand-identity and website launched today.

The group’s eleven members, including OTAs, metasearch platforms and rail ticketing sites, formed last year as a united industry voice for pro-consumer policy and digital innovation in travel.

Members of OTUK include Booking.com, Skyscanner, On the Beach and Trainline. 

The group pledges to help “shape the future of travel and support UK economic growth”.

The association will collaborate with government, policymakers and regulators to advocate for an innovative, competitive and consumer-centric travel and tourism industry, with policy work falling into two key areas: consumer protection and choice and fair and competitive digital markets.

Online Travel UK said: “We have been engaging with a range of stakeholders across the political landscape over the past year, and are looking forward to working with MPs, newly appointed ministers and regulators on a range of policies and priorities for our members in the coming weeks and months.

“Learning from the pandemic, we now have the chance to update and modernise consumer protections for the sector. 

“The healthy competition and transparency that online travel companies provide drives innovation, value and quality across the sector – this is good for consumers and supports wider economic growth. 

“By enabling digitisation and facilitating more constructive collaboration with transport and accommodation suppliers, both consumers and the UK economy will reap the rewards. 

“The new government also has a golden opportunity to boost innovation in the travel industry, by working at speed to implement the UK’s new competition rules for digital markets.”

The association added: “By doing this, consumer choice will increase and the UK will reach its full potential as a travel-tech innovation hub. Our members are at the forefront of innovation in travel and are perfectly positioned to support.”