Speculation is rife in the travel industry that the Government is considering a cut in funding for VisitBritain.
The Government is expected to announce a 10 to 15% budget cut for the overseas tourism marketing body tomorrow.
Although the Department for Culture, Media and Sport received an increase in funding last week in the Comprehensive Spending Review, there was no mention of tourism.
Industry leaders believe a slash in VisitBritain’s budget is planned to help the Government meet its savings target of £148 million.
Tourism Alliance chairman Ros Prichard said: “To further cut VisitBritain’s funding would mean the tourist board will be hard pressed to maintain core marketing activities and support to an industry characterised by small and medium-sized enterprisesand micro businesses, let alone prepare for 2012 [Olympics].”
VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues called for increased funds during a keynote speech on Tuesday. He said: “Without proper marketing support, Britain will inevitably suffer as other nations go all out to welcome the world.”