Industry heavyweights endorse Cameron’s five point tourism plan

VisitBritain has welcomed David Cameron’s statement of support for the tourism industry as a vital contributor to economic growth in the UK. 

“We share the Government’s commitment to encouraging visitors to explore outside of London and are working with the National Boards, destinations and the tourism industry to promote Britain’s amazing experiences to visitors around the world,” the organisation said in a statement.

“That process has already started. In 2014 visits to London were up 4%. This compares to 7% increase for Wales, 11% increase for Scotland and 13% increase for Yorkshire – but there is much more that can be done with a coordinated approach and focus.”

As part of the announcement for further growth, the Prime Minister will set up a new inter-ministerial group to co-ordinate activity across Government and ensure that tourism is factored into decision-making across Government departments.

The group will focus on five key areas:

A better co-ordinated sector: Greater collaboration between local attractions and tourism organisations to grow the sector for everyone

Skills and jobs: Driving and retaining talent in the sector to encourage growth

Common sense regulation:  Reforming regulation sensibly to drive competition and improve the tourism offer for visitors

Transport: Forging innovative links between the transport and tourism sectors to help visitors travel outside of the capital

An improved welcome: Delivering a world class welcome at the Border

Sally Balcombe, chief executive at VisitBritain said: “International tourism is the UK’s third largest service export and delivers economic benefits right across Britain – including jobs. We are one of the most diverse destinations in the world, so it’s excellent news that there will be a renewed emphasis on delivering jobs and growth to our nations and regions, with VisitBritain at the heart of this activity.

“As principal international delivery partners of the £5 million South West and £10 million Northern destination funds, we are working closely with VisitEngland, partners, airlines, ferries, tour operators and local businesses to ensure that international visitors aspire to explore Britain and can easily book our wide range of world-class experiences.”

UKinbound also voiced its support for the five-point plan, claiming the initiative reinforced the key recommendations of the organisation’s #TourismABC campaign, which was launched earlier this year.

UKinbound’s CEO, Deirdre Wells OBE, said: “It is great to hear the strong support today from the Prime Minister for tourism – recognising its role as the UK’s third biggest service export and a major employer, particularly for young people. We welcome the commitment to improve the visa service for visitors and to deliver a world class transport network, both air and rail.”