VisitBritain urges government to support tourism

The head of VisitBritain is calling on the government to provide ‘widespread’ backing for the country’s tourism industry, as a report is showing that there are barriers to tourism affecting the industry.

Christopher Rodrigues, the chief executive of the tourism organization, spoke in response to a Deloitte report that shows the contribution of tourism to Britain’s economy to be £114 billion, representing 8.2 per cent of the total GDP.

The contribution is higher than previously estimated, as it includes both the direct and indirect impact of the travel and tourism sector on the nation’s economy.

Deloitte’s report was jointly commissioned by the Tourism Alliance and VisitBritain. It shows that the travel and tourism industry directly employs at least 1.3 million workers.

According to the report, the economic impact of the sector is likely to grow to £188 billion by 2018, but the percent contribution to the GDP will remain about the same. The London Olympics of 2012 should provide a significant boost in revenue.

Risks exist, however, and the report indicates that there is a real possibility of a recession lasting through 2009, along with increased international competition for tourist spending.

Areas in which government policy could impede the success of the travel and tourism sector were also noted, including transport infrastructure, high taxes and visa costs and legislation regarding climate change.

www.visitbritain.com