SEVEN leading British tourism representatives have come
together to form an alliance to address on-going problems affecting the
industry.
Called the Tourism Alliance it is the first time the
industry has attempted to co-ordinate one voice, recognised by Government. The
alliance, made up of ABTA, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, the
British Hospitality Association, British Incoming Tour Operators Association,
Association of Recognised English Language Services, British Beer and Pub
Association and the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, will be chaired
by Confederation of British Industry director Digby Jones.
It was formed at a two-day meeting called by culture secretary
Tessa Jowell to encourage the industry to look at the challenges it is facing.
Tourism minister Kim Howells said: “The forming of the
alliance is a clear signal that the CBI and British Government have woken up to
how important tourism is. The industry is successful and has not needed help in
the past but this year it has been so badly affected that it has shown it needs
representation.”