The government’s new Tourism Advisory Council has come under attack for failing to include the events sector.
The Council was set up by the minister for culture, creative industries and tourism, Barbara Follett, to provide expert advice to government about the tourism industry and will comprise 21 leaders from the sector.
It came under fire this week when the Business Visits and Events Partnership criticised the absence of a representative from the events sector.
Partnership chairman Michael Hirst: “The omission of anyone from the business and leisure events sector is puzzling, given the importance of events stressed at the Liverpool National Tourism Summit and the example of the Liverpool City of Culture Festival, which was cited by the prime minister, secretary of state and the minister as a clear example of how events could be used to revitalise the economy.
“I hope the minister will be able to reconsider her decision. However, what might be of greater benefit is for the minister to convene a meeting of representatives of the conference, exhibitions, business, cultural, sporting events and festival sectors as a separate advisory group. The group could explore how the events sector could provide an extra economic and social stimulus for Britain’s recovery. The Partnership will be more than pleased to work with the minister on such an initiative.”
A spokesperson for the department for culture media and sport said: “We value the work of all the many sectors, including events, who contribute to the tourism industry and will be considering their request.”