In a letter directed to the Minister for EU Relations, travel industry leaders have pushed for the youth mobility deal to be sealed, highlighting that this agreement would seriously benefit the travel industry.
A total of 60 travel industry leaders, including Tui, Jet2, Dertour UK, Abta, Tourism Alliance, UK Hospitality, UKinbound and SBiT, have signed this letter directed to Nick Thomas-Symonds, the EU Relations Minister, arguing that the youth mobility deal would abolish many restrictions that came with Brexit, Schengen.News reports.
We’ve been talking to governments – past and present – since 2016 about the need for a UK-EU youth mobility arrangement.
The youth mobility scheme, which has been on the agenda of the EU and the UK for quite some time, enables Brits and Europeans between the ages of 18 and 30 to live, work and study in the respective countries without having to apply for a long-term visa.
Currently, Brits who plan to move to Europe for study or work purposes are required to apply for a long-term visa and a residence permit.
British Tourism Seriously Impacted by Brexit
Since the UK left the European Union, British tourism took a hit. ABTA and Tourism Alliance reveal in the letter that employing UK staff abroad has been a challenge for travel businesses.
Data by ABTA and SBiT also reveal that international travel roles have fallen by 69 per cent since Brexit.
Abta research shows international travel to and from the UK could be set to grow strongly in the coming years, with the potential for inbound to grow by 20 per cent and outbound by 15 per cent by 2034. It also means we’re offering important opportunities for young people – skills and experiences that can help start and define their careers.
Many MPS in the UK support the youth mobility programme, which means that a mobility deal for British and European youngsters could be on the way.
However, there is a list of conditions that the UK has in mind for the UK. One of them is related to British musicians, who have dealt with many challenges when touring in Europe.
Usually, touring around the 29-bloc of countries can be stretched over a few months and considering that a Briton can enter the Schengen Area without applying for a visa only for a period of 90 days, it might not be sufficient for artists from the UK to tour in the zone.