Issue 32 January/February 2010 £2.75
Awards for cracking breakfasts
Government called on to help tourism By Louise Cordell THE government has been urged to take tourism seriously by addressing the problems of taxation and legislation, which are currently holding the industry back. Former tourism minister Lord Lee of Trafford said that issues such as visa charges and taxation changes on holiday lettings are having a negative effect on the industry – but the government is offering little support. Lord Lee – who is also the chair of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions – said more should be done to liaise with the industry on important decisions and support it through a difficult climate. He said: “There is little evidence of any tourism co-ordination across government. On visa charges, air passenger duty and taxation changes on holiday lettings, all the evidence is that virtually no consultation took place with DCMS. “The United Nations World Tourism Organisation looked at how some 70 countries have responded to the economic downturn in terms of tourism. Of 18 European countries that responded, 11 have reduced tourism-related taxes, 13 have set up
tourism-related credit facilities for businesses, 11 have increased national marketing expenditure and 11 have established public and private marketing partnerships to boost tourism. All we have done here is change tourism ministers.” He also said that up and down the country, tourism is an important industry in many constituencies – providing jobs and bringing in revenue – and MPs should not be ignoring this. He added: “Tourism must be the number one constituency industry for more MPs than any other. Tourism is the dominant industry in the West Country and the number one industry in Yorkshire. “We have also seen significant new investment in the industry. Some 11,000 new hotel rooms opened in 2009 and 40,000 are planned between 2010 and 2015. “Our tourism industry does not ask for a great deal. Yes, perhaps there should be somewhat greater funding for Visit Britain, but primarily the industry wants to be allowed to develop without taxation and legislative burdens. Above all, it wants to be granted the recognition that it deserves. I say to the Government once again: take tourism seriously.”
A Wiltshire town is celebrating after beating off stiff competition to become Disney World’s ‘twin town’. Swindon beat 24 other UK towns to claim the honour and will now be twinned with Walt Disney World in Florida. As part of the prize, a plaque will be displayed at the attraction and a special Swindon exhibition will run at Disney's Epcot theme park. A similar sign will be on display in Swindon and a magical party will be held to celebrate the twinning.
ACCOMMODATION providers offering the best breakfasts in England can earn recognition for their efforts in a new award, launched by VisitEngland. The breakfast award – sponsored by Kellogg’s – is open to VisitEngland’s quality scheme members and rewards hotels and B&Bs which offer guests a quality breakfast, service and hospitality exceeding the normal expectations of their star rating. VisitEngland’s operations and industry engagement manager Pam Foden said: “The Breakfast Award scheme showcases hotels and B&Bs that offer exceptional quality in their breakfasts. “We are delighted to have launched an award that recognises and rewards those establishments that make the most of the local produce on offer in their area and create an excellent customer experience each morning at breakfast. “Each holder of the award will be subject to an annual review to ensure that the quality of the food offer and service at breakfast times remains outstanding.”