Trade praises Government’s new tourism sector deal

Trade representatives have welcomed the UK’s first-ever tourism sector deal, which has been announced today.

The Government says the new deal will revolutionise the way data is used by the sector, through the creation of new Tourism Data Hub, which will collate regularly updated data showing the latest trends and spends, allowing businesses to better target overseas visitors.

The deal also commits to 10,000 tourism and hospitality apprenticeships and building an additional 130,000 hotel rooms in response to demand for an additional 9 million visitors by 2025. Improved access and facilities for disabled people are also in the plan.

There will also be a pilot of up to five Tourism Zones to drive visitor numbers across the country and a strategy to grow the number of business events and conferences, helping to drive off-season visitors.

Last year 38 million people visited the UK, contributing £23 billion to the local economy.

Prime Minister Theresa May described the deal as recognising ‘the important role tourism plays, and will continue to play, in showcasing what our great country has to offer’.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: "Today we have set out our vision for the future of UK tourism – a commitment to an industry that is vital for the prosperity of our communities, our businesses and our economy.

"The UK is one of the world’s greatest destinations and this deal recognises the importance of maximising our natural assets. We are dedicated to supporting life-long careers for those that work in tourism, offering insightful data to help grow businesses and ultimately creating a better visitor experience throughout the UK."

Developed in partnership with the British Tourist Authority and Industry, the sector deal forms part of the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy supporting the continued growth of the tourism sector, ensuring the UK remains globally competitive as a top tourist destination.

British Tourist Authority Chair Steve Ridgway CBE said: "This sector deal is a game-changer for tourism, one of the UK’s most valuable export industries, spelling a step-change in how we underpin the success of tourism for a generation, moving it to the top table as a leading industry for the UK Government’s future economic planning.

"And it is a game-changer for the economy, growing the value of the industry and employment in tourism, fixing issues from skills and productivity to extending the season year-round, building stronger tourism destinations up and down the country and developing world-class experiences for domestic and international visitors.

"Tourism is one of the most fiercely competitive global industries and this deal ensures we can continue to compete internationally as a top destination for visitors, driving major economic growth across the whole of the UK."

UKinbound chair James Aitken said "We are really pleased that a Sector Deal has been secured with the Government and congratulate all those involved who have helped to drive this work forward. 

"Tourism is a major contributor to the UK economy but is made up primarily of small businesses and cuts across many different policy areas. 

"For the first time, we will have a national strategy that will help bring the sector together and collaborate on activities and initiatives.

"This will ultimately help visitors get to destinations quickly and easily, have a better experience in those destinations, improve productivity and efficiency and raise awareness about the fantastic employment opportunities the industry provides."

Image by Ian Wright, from Pixabay