Culture Secretary Maria Miller to praise UK tourism at World Travel Market
Miller, who was appointed to the position in September, will be speaking on day two of the global event for the travel industry. She is expected to open her speech by pointing out the ‘vital role’ that the UK’s tourism industry played in promoting the nation throughout the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Released ahead of its delivery, Miller’s speech reads: “It is a summer that we and our children will remember for the rest of our lives. We welcomed the world to our shores and they got to see first-hand the very best of Britain: our people and our culture.
“Our tourism industry had a vital role this summer. And as we keep the momentum going, it will continue to have a huge role to play. Our tourism industry helps us sell Britain, helps contribute to economic growth and helps drive investment.”
With the London 2012 Olympics generating record tourism spend throughout the country – up nine per cent for August compared with the same month in 2011 – Miller believes the key challenge will be in maintaining that momentum and guaranteeing a positive Olympic legacy.
Global race
She will also point out the growing competition from emerging nations such as China, India and Brazil, adding: “They too want to experience for themselves the culture of the world.
“We all appreciate that there is a global race. We are all focussed on delivering the best opportunities for our countries. But, if campaigns such as GREAT set Britain up as a competitor to many here tonight, I also want to make a point about collaboration.
“As the tourism sector expands and changes, it’s vital we – as leaders and guardians of the sector – work together to build this important global industry.”
The Culture Secretary will end her speech on a note of positivity, concluding: “Even in a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty, there is cause for great hope and optimism. The foundations of our history are rooted in exploration and travel and I am sure that the foundations of our future will be too.”
World Tourism Barometer
Meanwhile, the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer has revealed that international tourist arrivals increased by 4 per cent between January and August 2012, compared with the same period last year - but the UK saw lower growth than many.
Europe (up three per cent) consolidated its record growth of 2011 despite on-going economic volatility in the Eurozone. Results were above average in Central and Eastern Europe (up nine per cent), in line with the average in Western Europe (up three per cent), yet comparatively weaker in Southern and Mediterranean Europe (one per cent).
