Tourism Sector Deal a “game changer”

28th June 2019

Categories: Member News

In one of her final acts as Prime Minister, Theresa May has announced a game changing new deal for the tourism sector that will revolutionise the industry.

The Tourism Sector Deal reaffirms the UK’s global role as a key player in the tourism industry and will see the creation of a number of projects, including a new Tourism Data Hub, which will collate regularly updated data showing the latest trends and spends which will help those in the sector recognise what is working.

The deal will also support the creation of an additional 10,000 apprenticeships for people building their careers in the sector and commits to building 130,000 new hotel rooms by 2025.

A spokesperson for Visit Britain said: “It is a game changer for tourism, 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.
“This deal is testament to what can be achieved by working in partnership and we would like to thank all of you who have been involved, it represents more than two years of hard work, commitments and determination from the tourism industry which came together with one voice.”

Last year, it is estimated that around 38 million people came to the UK for trips or holidays, which contributed £23billion to the local economy. Experts predict that by 2025, an additional 9 million people will be visiting the UK and this deal will help the tourism sector respond to the increased demand for infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said: “As one of the most visited countries in the world, the UK is a world leader in international tourism, and it is crucial that we remain globally competitive to meet growing demands. That’s why I am pleased to announce the UK’s first ever tourism sector deal, ensuring that we continue to innovate, boost connectivity and economic productivity, expand career pathways and break down barriers for visitors with disabilities.”

The deal outlines a number of ambitions the Government has for the UK to become the most accessible destination for disabled visitors through improvement of disabled facilities and access to destinations across the country.

The Culture Secretary, Greg Clark, said: “Tourism is one of our most valuable industries and it plays a vital role in our economy with nearly two million people employed in the communities across the country and £23 billion pounds spent by visitors in the UK last year. As part of this ground breaking deal, new Tourism Zones will deliver a direct boost to holiday destinations across the country, helping create new jobs as well as supporting improvements in transport connections. This is one of the many ways in which the deal will be key in building a world class experience economy, helping us deliver on the ambition we set out in our modern Industrial Strategy: Government and industry working hand in hand to build on our exceptional strengths in this sector, boosting productivity and further increasing the UK’s attractiveness as a holiday destination.”

The Tourism Sector Deal has a number of commitments including:

• Building more than 130,000 new hotel rooms with 75% of them being built outside London.
• £250,000 will be pledged to improve broadband connectivity in conference centres across the UK for business visitors.
• A pilot will be launching of up to five new Tourism Zones to drive visitor numbers across the country. Zones will receive Government support for growing their local visitor economy through initiatives like targeted support for produce and promotion development, mentoring support to businesses and digital skills training.
• 10,000 employees in the sector will benefit from new mentorship schemes.
• A new government strategy will be launched to grow the number of Business Events and Conferences to help drive off-season visitors.
• A partnership will be developed 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.

The chair of the British Tourist Authority, Steve Ridgway CBE, said: “This deal is a game changer for tourism, and it is a game changer for the economy, growing the value of the industry and employment in tourism. 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.”

Theresa May said: “The deal recognises the important role that tourism plays and will continue to play in showcasing what our great country has to offer.”