A travel management group which earns more than a quarter of its revenues from entertainment travel says the UK government must engage in “meaningful dialogue with representatives across the entire spectrum of the entertainment sector” to address the challenges faced by British musicians who want to tour in Europe.
The UK government will today hold an e-petition session to discuss the issue of post-Brexit administrative hurdles and visa costs after a petition set up by music industry freelancer Tim Brennan was signed by more than 280,000 people. The petition attracted support from musicians such as Dua Lipa and Biffy Clyro while Elton John has also spoken about the challenges facing emerging artists.
Jason Oshiokpekhai, managing director of Global Travel Collection, a group of TMCs including Protravel and Tzell, said, “It’s extremely disheartening that one month on from Brexit, the future of entertainment travel in Europe still hangs in the balance with no indication that the situation may be resolved any time soon.
“Travelling in Europe to showcase music or the arts extends much further than just the artist. It is a direct reflection of the UK’s talent. The importance of this type of travel must not be underestimated as these artists, musicians and production teams play an essential role in stimulating the corporate travel sector and significantly contribute to our economy.
“The current situation with visas for entertainment travel in Europe is a major blow to the industry: it is a blow for artists, fans, aspiring musicians and the independent travel businesses whose livelihoods depend on organising all types of entertainment travel. Freedom to travel in Europe is fundamentally essential for the entertainment industry and for the corporate travel businesses who specialise in this sector.
“The combination of Covid-19 and Brexit makes for a fatal recipe for the touring and entertainment travel industry and we urgently require the UK government to lay out what can be done to mitigate this crisis. Without intervention or reopening the doors for negotiation, future growth of the entertainment travel sector will be stagnant.
He added: “We urge the UK government to start engaging in meaningful dialogue with representatives across the entire spectrum of the entertainment sector - including travel advisors – so we can discuss a practical way forward.”