Four key priorities for the UK travel and tourism industry during the two years of Brexit negotiations have been highlighted to government by UKinbound.
The trade association outlined the issues in a letter to culture secretary Karen Bradley ahead of the government triggering Article 50 to start the EU exit procedure.
They are:
• An immigration system flexible to business needs – EU employees are vital to the operation and success of our tourism and hospitality industries
• Continued access to the open skies agreement – a vital driver of inbound tourism to the UK, the agreement has enabled the expansion of transatlantic and intra-EU flights, allowing carriers to introduce lower fares and providing consumers with a more convenient and efficient service
• A strong narrative promoting the UK as a welcoming destination
• Visa-free travel between the UK and the EU – the UK still needs to be an easy to enter destination for tourists
UKinbound chief executive, Deirdre Wells, said: “With EU negotiations set to begin imminently, we ask the secretary of state for culture, media and sport to address each of these priorities with the prime minister.
“In 2016, international visitors contributed over £22 billion to the UK economy and for this success to continue we require the help and support of the government to ensure our industry can flourish in years to come.”