A review of the new government’s approach to the upcoming Brexit negotiations is being demanded by a leading travel association.
UKinbound says the result of the general election, which led to prime minister Theresa May having to stitch up a deal with the Democratic Unionists in Northern Ireland to keep a minority Conservative government in power, demonstrates that voters are a against a ‘hard Brexit’.
The association surveyed its members regarding the new government’s tourism priorities and is calling on the Conservatives and DUP to implement a strong deal for the sector and visa reforms as part of Brexit negotiations.
Of those who responded to the poll, conducted in May prior to the general election, 75% of respondents said that the implementation of a strong sector deal, as part of an industrial strategy, and the improvement of the visa process for key markets, are their top priorities.
With negotiations due to begin next week, UKinbound highlighted to the new government that the UK’s tourism industry employs more than three million people across the country and was responsible for contributing over £22 billion to the UK economy last year.
UKinbound wants the government to address the following points during Brexit negotiations:
• An immigration system flexible to business needs – residency rights for EU workers
• Continued access to the European open skies agreement
• Visa-free travel between the UK and the EU
• A ‘strong narrative’ promoting the UK as a welcoming destination
UKinbound chief executive Deirdre Wells said: “The general election result clearly shows that the electorate is against a hard Brexit, and so is the UK inbound tourism industry.
“Our members are calling for a continued strong relationship with the EU and the implementation of a sector deal that addresses issues such as the customs union, open skies agreement and residency rights for EU workers.
“For inbound tourism to prosper long-term we need the Conservatives and DUP to champion our industry.”
She spoke ahead of the government reshuffle which saw Michael Gove, one of the driving forced behind Brexit, return to the front bench as environment secretary. Chris Grayling retained his position as transport secretary.