Former business and trade minister Matt Hancock’s move to lead the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has been welcomed by UKinbound.
The trade body believes his background will help support the tourism sector.
Hancock was made DCMS secretary in prime minister Theresa May’s government reshuffle.
UKinbound reiterated the key issues the tourism industry faces and the reforms required in a letter to the new secretary of state.
These include:
· An immigration and visa system that is flexible to business needs
· Access to a skilled workforce
· Abolition of APD
· A strong Tourism Sector Deal
· A strong narrative promoting the UK as a welcoming destination
UKinbound chief executive Deirdre Wells said: “We look forward to working with Matt, whose previous experience within DCMS and as the minister of state for business and enterprise will be particularly valuable in supporting DCMS’s largest economic sector – tourism.
“Our industry needs strong leadership to ensure continued development and growth of the inbound tourism sector, and I’m confident Matt will provide this.”
Wells added: “UKinbound would like to thank the former secretary of state, Karen Bradley, for her support for the sector and to wish her well in her new appointment [as Northern Ireland secretary].”