Among those praising the move to increase the sector’s growth is former Tourism Minister and Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose. He said that he is delighted to see the Government working to build on the foundations that it has laid over the last five years.
“Things like cutting red tape, improving skills and simplifying visas are all vital, but I’m particularly pleased by the continued focus on letting visitors know there’s far more to the UK than just London,” he said.
“It broadens our appeal to people looking for different kinds of holidays, and reminds people who remember events like the 2012 Olympics that they've a good reason to come back."
Ufi Ibrahim, chairman of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) who lobbied for changes, can see the plans having a huge impact on British tourism.
"This is truly a watershed moment for the hospitality and tourism industry and is a result of concerted campaigning by the BHA and its members to Parliament and Whitehall to make their voices heard loud and clear on how we can make the UK a better place to live, work and visit.
"Joined up Government leadership will enable our vision for the UK to become the world's hospitality and tourism powerhouse attracting more visitors, creating more jobs and strengthening local economies to the benefit of all society," she commented.
Improved rail network
Sandra Matthews Marsh MBE, chairman of the Tourism Society, said that she is pleased that there is a focus on the rail network and encouraged businesses to back the plan.
“Rail and infrastructure were highlighted as the hot topic at this year’s Tourism Symposium and I am very pleased to see that the Prime Minister has picked these up as one of the key focus areas for the new group,” she said.
“Tourism Society members work in businesses throughout the country and they will all gain from this. I urge them to support the plan and work with us to maintain this new momentum and engagement with Government.”
Raising awareness
The hotel industry has also been praising the new proposals.
Peter Osborne, General Manager of the Brudenell and White Lion hotels in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, said: “We look forward to working closely with local and national tourism associations to raise awareness of our stunning destination and maximise its potential.
“It’s vital to ensure visitors have the best possible experience every time so that they tell others, which in turn will create more visitors, and more jobs, strengthening local economies to the benefit of all society.”
The Prime Minister’s plans outline the need to showcase the UK beyond London, improve the skills and jobs for those working in the sector, cut unneeded red tape, invest into improving transport to make the UK easier to explore, and to simplify VISA systems for tourists.