The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Visitor Economy, needs written evidence showing the significance of tourism and hospitality to seaside towns as part of its inquiry into the challenges faced by Britain's neglected coastal communities.
According to a report commissioned by the British Hospitality Association (BHA), businesses in seaside towns are more likely to fail with Government statistics showing that in general these communities are marked by social and economic deprivation and suffer from higher levels of unemployment than the national average.
BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said: "In July the British Hospitality Association launched our Creating Coastal Powerhouses report which called on the Government to create Coastal Enterprise Zones to encourage businesses to move to and invest in the coast.
“Our members, who invest in and operate hospitality and tourism businesses recognise the problems facing many coastal communities but also know there are fantastic opportunities to boost these places and help revive the Great British Seaside holiday. I am delighted that the APPG has chosen to focus on this issue for their next inquiry.”
Stakeholders
Evidence will be gathered from all 'stakeholders' in coastal towns, including local trade associations, educational institutions, charities and community groups, as well as hospitality and tourism businesses.
MP Nigel Huddleston, who co-chairs the APPG for the Visitor Economy with MP Margaret Ritchie, said: "The British coastline is a national asset with great potential and with the right investment, can drive regeneration, economic growth and job creation. We look forward to hearing the views of businesses, organisations and individuals who have a stake in its future”.
The APPG for the Visitor Economy, which is supported by the BHA, was formed with the aim of enhancing the local economy by promoting measures and incentives, including cutting VAT for hospitality and tourism, which would increase visitor numbers and investment in all parts of Britain and Northern Ireland.
Submissions must be made by 30 September 2016 to appg@bha.org.uk.