Senior travel industry bosses have unanimously backed Travel Weekly’s campaign demanding that the next government creates a senior ministerial post dedicated to tourism.
Read some of their comments below, and add your support by:
- Signing our petition on the Number10.gov.uk website
- Sharing your views on travelhub
What industry bosses are saying
Dermot Blastland, UK managing director, Tui Travel
“A visitor to the UK wouldn’t believe it, given how poorly the industry is represented within government, but tourism is vital on so many levels. At Tui, we see firsthand the importance that other countries in Europe place on travel by the way it is represented politically.
“But in the UK, the lack of understanding means that inappropriate policies continue to be forced upon us. It is for these reasons that we therefore wholeheartedly support Travel Weekly’s campaign.”
Mike Greenacre, managing director, Co-operative Travel
“Now is a very appropriate time for Travel Weekly to launch a campaign to pressure the government to recognise our industry.
“The appointment of a senior minister would, I believe, be essential to ensuring that, whether it is compliance, tax, regulation or employment, supporting our industry can only be beneficial to government in the long term.”
John McEwan, chief executive, Advantage Travel Centres
“Given the importance of travel and tourism to the UK and the complexities in the market in terms of financial and consumer protection, the industry needs representation at the highest level of government. This can only realistically happen with its own minister.”
John Hays, managing director, Hays Travel
“The Yes Minister campaign is a fantastic idea. There is a clear lack of consistency across different government departments which is contributing to the issues currently threatening the travel industry. Just look at the ATOL mess.”
Kane Pirie, managing director, Travel Republic
“It is often all too obvious that even people within the industry get themselves totally in a muddle on travel issues.
“A dedicated tourism minister covering outbound travel should help a future government understand the key issues and protect jobs in this important sector.”
Simon Hargreaves, managing director, TTA Worldchoice
“Tourism is the fifth-largest industry in Britain, the third-largest export earner and it creates more revenue than North Sea oil.
“Holidays in the UK contribute £86 billion to the economy, including £19 billion of foreign income. And the sector employs 1.4 million. We badly need a minister to argue our sector’s case. This is a huge opportunity for the next government.”
Johnny Pollard, commercial director, On The Beach
“There are some key issues to be addressed during the next parliament, notably reform of the Package Travel Regulations.
“The current ministerial structure cannot influence these issues to get the right result for the industry. On The Beach is pleased to support Travel Weekly’s campaign.”
David Speakman, chairman, Travel Counsellors
“I agree there should be a Minister who will represent the consumer but can the industry handle what will inevitably be more regulations to protect the customer from all the sharp practices that are permeating the industry.
“Of course the travel industry should have its own representative within the Government but at the same time the industry should be very, very careful of what it wishes for.”
Comments from travelhub
Comments from travelhub
As one of the few countries without one that has tourism as a major industry we are behind the times
Nickbroadland
It really is about time the government took this industry’s contribution to employment and the economy seriously
Nick McKay
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