01
1/7/10
13:14
Page 1
Issue 35 July/August 2010 £2.75
‘Take our industry seriously’ By Christina Eccles THE new government should take tourism more seriously and recognise the benefits which the industry brings to the UK, it has been claimed. Chief executive of the British Hospitality Association Bob Cotton said that in the past, tourism and hospitality has not been given the support it deserves and has been overlooked by previous government. He said in the last year, very little had been done by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to address four key issues of concern to the industry: not adding to the burden of regulation, not to increase the industry's costs, to encourage investment and to promote tourism. Bob is now calling on the new coalition government to give tourism greater recognition and make sure that when considering policies in other areas, it looks at how they could affect the tourism industry before enforcing them. He said: “In the past we have been totally ignored. The industry has been successful in spite of government not because of it. “When the government makes poli-
cies in other areas, they should think of the impact on tourism as they do in other countries. Here we don’t even have a dedicated tourism minister. They did promise us one but it didn’t materialise.” Bob also told Destination UK that tourism and hospitality is becoming an increasingly valuable industry, which is providing jobs for people in both cities and and rural areas all over the country at a time when employment can be difficult to find. And he added that these efforts should be recognised by the government for the serious contribution they make to the UK economy. He added: “The government should take tourism more seriously. Looking to the future, there are some commercial industries which might not be with us in 10 years time. We can be sure this industry will be and it could be employing 2.5m people by then – so why not invest in a success story?” Do you think enough is being done to support the UK’s tourism and hospitality industry? Email your comments to ce@whpl.net or contact Destination UK’s editorial team on 01226 734463.
Promoting tourism ‘a key priority’
A popular music event held in North Wales has helped to put the area on the map as an attractive holiday destination. BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend took place at the Faenol Estate in Bangor and attracted 40,000 fans to watch performances from the likes of Cheryl Cole and Alicia Keys. It is now hoped the region’s increased profile will attract tourists to Gwynedd and act as a springboard to attract more big events. Full story, Page 5
PROMOTING tourism will be a key priority for Department for Culture Media and Sport in the run up to 2012, according to new culture secretary Jeremy Hunt. In his first keynote speech on tourism policy, he unveiled the government’s plans around tourism and what it hopes to achieve in the future. He pledged to: Create a new fund with the aim of generating £1b worth of PR and marketing activity in the years around 2012. Harness the full potential of 2012 to create a permanent tourism legacy. Set the industry a new goal to increase domestic tourism spend by UK residents to 50 per cent of the total. Simplify and focus support for the tourism industry. He said: “I believe no other country can offer such rich history, wonderful culture, or stunning countryside, and it’s important we showcase to the world the amazing range of attractions and experiences this country offers.” For reaction to the news see Page 3