Published on : Saturday, October 12, 2013
As the political parties prepare for battle in the long run up to the next general election, the British tourism and hospitality industry has a clear message for leaders: “Tourism and hospitality are major contributors to the UK economy, 10% of the UK workforce work in the industry – so don’t leave it out of your manifestos.”
In a bid to ensure all major parties recognise the tourism industry for its contribution to the UK economy, 33 leading UK tourism bodies have joined forces to launch the politically-focused Campaign for Tourism. The group includes organisations from all aspects of the tourism industry including attractions, historic houses, heritage sites, B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, palaces, language schools and destinations.
The campaign, which launches on 8th October 2013, will see letters distributed to all major political parties underlining the fact that tourism wasn’t mentioned in any of the UK parties’ political manifestos at the last General Election. It will highlight the fact that existing government policies are hampering the industry’s efforts to create hundreds of thousands of jobs for young people.
Signed by leading industry figureheads and tourism associations including the Tourism Alliance and British Hospitality Association, as well as major commercial organisations including Merlin Entertainments, the letters aim to trigger debate as well as proactively setting out key opportunities for the Government:- Improving the industry’s international competitiveness- Investing for success- Recognising tourism and hospitality as an economic growth generatorLord Lee of Trafford, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Tourism and Chairman of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions said: “The UK government still hasn’t got the message.
Tourism and hospitality is the number one industry in more constituencies than any other industry in the country. By coming together to support this campaign, we are able to deliver a clear message to the government: Take tourism seriously.”
Sir David Michels, President of the Tourism Alliance said: “Tourism is a huge contributor to the UK economy and one of the UK’s leading growth industries employing nearly three million people. The growth in tourism spend to £134 billion in 2012 supported another 180,000 jobs, more than one in three new jobs in the UK. Politicians need to acknowledge and act on this in developing manifestos for the next election. They must include tourism-specific policies and positions to maximise the true potential of this great industry.”
Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of the British Hospitality Association said: “For some inexplicable reason there is a perception that the tourism and hospitality industry is somehow less valuable than other industries. In fact, the tourism industry in the UK comprises over 200,000 businesses and ours is a major contributor to both the economy and to the creation and generation of new jobs. The Campaign for Tourism is a fine example of our industry working together, and our collective voice is stronger and our impact is greater when we work together.”
Mary Rance, Chairman, Tourism Alliance said: “The UK is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, bringing in billions of pounds of revenue, but the government needs to move faster to stay with the pack. Visa reform, air passenger duty – these are just two of the issues that prevent tourists from spending their money on our shores and the Government can make direct improvements. Let’s ask the Government to support success and help us drive the UK’s economy forward.”
Source:-HBAA
Tags: hospitality, Tourism Alliance, Tourism and Hospitality, Travel Destination News
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