VisitEngland and VisitBritain avoid Cameron’s chopping block
Tuesday, 14 Oct, 2010
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VisitEngland and VisitBritain live to fight another day after the Government announced today that it would retain their services.
The tourism bodies have been living under the sword of Damocles since David Cameron announced a series of quangos would fall by the wayside in his bid to balance Britain’s budget.
But the Department of Culture Media and Sport published its list of cuts this morning which revealed the tourism bodies were in the clear. However, both expect budget cuts, the full extent of which will not be revealed until later this month.
VisitBritain chief executive Sandie Dawe said: “I am pleased the Review of Arm’s Length Bodies has recognised the important role of VisitBritain in promoting Britain as a tourism destination around the world. We now await confirmation of our budget next week.
Sandie Dawe CEO Visit Britain
"We have a huge task ahead to deliver the Government‘s ambition to generate a sustained increase in tourism as a result of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"We aim to create an inspirational global campaign to market Britain in partnership with the private sector which takes full advantage of the 4 billion audience that will watch media coverage of the event.
"Thankfully we have a clearer mission from Government than ever before and unprecedented engagement from ministers. We have a plan for the Games that is equal to the job and we are already years down the road to success.
"Last year 30 million overseas tourists visited the UK, spending £16 billion – making tourism the UK’s third foreign exchange earner. Spending by foreign visitors is forecast to almost double to £31 billion in 2020, growing 4.4% a year.
"Tourism is poised to expand faster than retail, chemicals, transport, the utilities and manufacturing. Only construction and financial and business services look more promising.’’
Meanwhile VisitEngland chief executive James Berresford also welcomed the news but added that all eyes would now be on budget cuts.
He said: “A key focus for us at this time is to work with Government and the industry to provide solutions that will ensure tourism is supported throughout the country once the regional development agencies close.
“With agreement across Government departments, we have set up a transition team to ensure key tourism functions continue at a local level and will engage the emerging Local Enterprise Partnerships as they confirm their approach to tourism.
“We are working closely with the tourism minister and his team on his new tourism strategy and will continue to work in close partnership with the industry to deliver a high quality, highly memorable and enjoyable experience for visitors.
"Tourism is a hugely important economic driver and is one of but a few sectors that if properly supported can offer real growth potential. England in particular is a remarkable destination and a real powerhouse in UK tourism. It alone represents 84 per cent of the total UK tourism value, worth £97billion, and supports in excess of 2 million jobs.”
by Dinah Hatch
Dinah
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