Government partners industry for new Tourism Council
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
A new Tourism Council has been created under a new partnership between the UK government and the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Minister for Tourism Helen Grant announced the new council at the British Hospitality Association’s (BHA) annual summit today, which will see a board of leading players in travel and tourism to meet and share best practice in improving skills and jobs in the sector.
The council will focus on “improving skills, increasing the quality and quantity of jobs available and boost enterprise in the industry”.
The inaugural meeting will take place next month co-chaired by Grant, the Minster for Skills and Enterprise Matthew Hancock and Simon Vincent, president EMEA of Hilton Worldwide.
Other members of the 22-strong council include VisitBritain, VisitEngland, BHA, Whitbread, easyJet, Expedia, The Tourism Alliance, InterContinental Hotels Group, Dudley Zoo, Parkdean Holidays, English Lakes Hotels, Google, First Group, Eurostar, JAC Travel, Continuum, John Lewis, Shepherd Neame, West Dorset Leisure Holidays and TUI Travel PLC.
“The tourism and hospitality industry helps us sell Britain, helps contribute to economic growth and helps drive investment. The government is committed to working in partnership with the sector to build on the success achieved to date and to help deliver further economic growth for tourism related businesses across the country,” said Grant.
Hancock said: “Small businesses in towns and villages across the country are the bedrock of our tourism industry and an important part of the wider economy. We must do everything we can to ensure they have the right environment to thrive and grow. This includes making sure that young people are equipped with the skills to work productively in this sector. Last year, there were more than 27,000 apprentices in tourism, leisure and hospitality roles and I am keen for this number to increase.”
The council will meet every three to four months to look at increasing the number of apprenticeships and improve development within the sector.
Simon Vincent, president EMEA, Hilton Worldwide said: “This is the first time we have had a cross-Government council looking specifically at tourism. The active involvement of both the Tourism Minister and the Minister for Skills and Enterprise means the council can focus on the key areas of skills and training and quality of service, in the first instance. Taken together, these things are central to helping deliver growth, competitiveness and innovation in our industry.”
Comments are closed.