UKinbound applauds BA
UKinbound has welcomed comments from British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh in supporting the expansion of Heathrow.
The trade association for the UK’s inbound tourism businesses said BA had become an “important advocate†of the country’s visitor economy by dispelling some of the myths which have been reported regarding the development of the airport.
Walsh spoke of the importance of Heathrow for inbound tourism, for London and for the whole of the UK economy as Government’s three-month consultation on a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow came to an end (see earlier TravelMole story).
Stephen Dowd, chief executive of UKinbound, said: “It’s time to stop demonising air travel and aviation as the great polluter and have a serious conversation about how we can reduce the environmental impact of tourism in general.
“Tourism is incredibly important to the UK and to world economy so to ensure it can continue to develop in a sustainable way is of vital importance.â€
Walsh had said: “The importance of inbound tourism to the UK and to the economies of the developing world is undeniable. The service sector accounts for 70% of UK GDP, and the UK is the world’s second largest exporter of services. Meanwhile, businesses in the UK regions will find it increasingly difficult to attract inward investment or promote their products in new overseas markets.
“Good air links are essential to success in a global economy. Campaign groups like HACAN may not believe this. But the CBI, the TUC, the City of London, Government and a host of economic commentators do.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps