Issue 33 March/April 2010 £2.75
80% feel confident for future
Industry ‘could bring UK out of recession’ By Christina Eccles THE tourism industry could bring the UK out of recession if the government got behind it and offered more support, it has been claimed. Mike Bell – the prospective Liberal Democrat MP for Weston-super-Mare – feels tourism has been let down by the government and has launched a campaign in order to support what he thinks is a vital industry. The ‘give tourism a break campaign’ focuses on three key aims which would help to boost tourism and in turn help the UK as a whole. These are: Cutting VAT on accommodation, attractions and restaurants to match Europe. A trial of switching to daylight saving time. More government funding for the industry. Mike explained: “Tourism could be the industry that drives us out of the recession but it is not going to without government backing. “A VAT cut this year would make an enormous difference as it would send a message to the industry that the government is behind them and make us more competitive both
internally and overseas. “Tourism is one industry that can grow and do better and better but the industry has been let down. “We have been losing global share in the market as governments around the world are backing their own tourism industries.” Mike added that the campaign has been supported at both local and national levels and he would like to see it grow even more this year. He added: “I am based in Westonsuper-Mare and tourism has been an important industry for us for a long time. But most of the people in the tourism industry here feel they are working with one hand tied behind their back as the government doesn’t do much to support them. And we need to get that support.” He said securing more funding and tax breaks in the current economic climate may be tough as none of the major political parties are looking to make new spending commitments – but this needs to be considered for the long term benefits which it could bring to the industry. Is UK tourism getting the support it deserves? Email your comments to ce@whpl.net or contact our editorial team on 01226 734463.
Former Emmerdale actress Hayley Tamaddon and her Dancing on Ice partner Daniel Whiston have lent their support to a new guide promoting Blackpool. The Blackpool born stars took a break from training for the show to check out what is being planned in their home town this year. For full story see our special Blackpool feature on Page 8 Picture: ITV Pictures
NEW figures from VisitEngland have revealed 80 per cent of the tourism industry feels confident about the spring and Easter period. Figures from its new business confidence monitor show although bookings for this period are down year on year, a quarter of operators are very confident and over half are fairly confident that business will be good – with an expectation that last year’s trend for late bookings will continue. Chief executive James Berresford said: “VisitEngland already provides the industry with a raft of industry insights and research however, we hope the results from a new regular study like this will help businesses to better understand the rapidly changing economic climate as it relates to tourism, and better prepare for those changes. “By working together, pooling resources and expertise, I believe we can drive tourism in England forward, boost the industry and support our partners in the year ahead.”