Lib Dems take UK tourism concerns to Downing Street
The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to take tourism seriously by taking a campaign to Downing Street today (Wednesday).
Lib Dem MPs are urging the government to reverse funding cuts on VisitBritain which has led to a 15% reduction in spending on overseas advertising.
The number of overseas residents visiting the UK has plummeted in the three months of October to December 2008 by 12% compared with the same period of 2007.
Liberal Democrat MPs are using the third annual Tourism Week as an opportunity to promote tourism attractions within their own constituencies to raise awareness of the size, value and importance of Britain’s £86 billion visitor economy.
MPs will present to Gordon Brown photographs of their site highlighting give ‘good reasons’ to visit a British tourist attraction:
1) Affordable
2) Variety
3) Stunning Scenery
4) Friendly Welcome
5) Steeped in History
Lib Dem culture, arts and heritage spokesman Richard Younger Ross MP said: “British tourism can thrive only if the Government are prepared to invest more money in the industry and adopt a sound marketing strategy to publicise Britain’s many attractions.
“Yet Visit Britain, the body responsible for marketing Britain as a tourist destination abroad has seen its funding drastically cut by over £15 million between 2003 and 2010. And the Government has refused to commit to more funding in the sector.”
Lib Dem shadow culture secretary Don Foster MP added:“As a crucial part of the UK economy, tourism deserves to be taken far more seriously by the government. There are numerous reasons why people from both home and abroad should holiday here.
“While Liberal Democrat MPs can promote places in their own constituencies, it takes increased government support to do it for the whole country.
“Tourism could provide one of the routes out of the recession. Thousands of jobs could be protected and new ones created if the cuts in the funding for VisitBritain were reversed and steps like reducing VAT on accommodation and entrance to tourist attractions were considered.”
Phil Davies
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