The Conservative Party has announced a Tourism Task Force hoping to revive the fortunes of British seaside resorts and domestic family holidays.
Chaired by former British Tourist Authority chairman John Lewis OBE, the task force will seek to promote UK holidays as a more green option than flying abroad.
Lewis said British tourism had been neglected by government and under-valued by the Department for Culture Media and Sport. “This wide-ranging review will be a chance to put matters right by considering how best to strengthen our tourist industry and ensure its status and profile within the Government.”
The task force will also seek to harness the opportunities the 2012 London Olympics bring and reform the way Britain is currently marketed as a tourist destination.
Travelodge chief executive Grant Hearn said: “I welcome the Conservatives’ decision to put tourism at the heart of their next manifesto and challenge the current Government to rise to the challenge. If it does, industry and Government co-operation could push tourism into Britain’s Top 3 performing sectors in 2012.”
Tourism Alliance chairman Tony Millns added: “We look forward to working with the task force to develop policies that will truly enhance the UK’s international competitiveness.”
Further reading
- The Doorstep Challenge: Holidays in the UK – Travel Weekly 30 November 2006