The new tourism minister has denied snubbing the trade after his diary secretary said “there is limited scope for promoting outbound tourism” in his role.
The comment came about following the Association of Independent Tour Operators’ (Aito) efforts, dating back to May 14, to try to arrange a meeting with John Penrose.
Telling the association there was no space for an immediate meeting, the diary secretary added: “As you may be aware, John’s portfolio not only covers tourism but also gambling, heritage, architecture, the lottery and the royal parks.
“Demand on his time is therefore very high and unfortunately we are simply unable to accept every meeting request.
“As tourism minister, John predominantly deals with inbound and domestic tourism, as there is limited scope for promoting outbound tourism.”
However, a spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said there had been a “misunderstanding”, adding Penrose would meet with Aito as soon as possible.
He added: “This is a simple misunderstanding, and the minister is horrified that the Aito should feel ‘snubbed’.
“He is determined to be a strong and effective champion for the tourist industry in government and sees it as a top priority to hear the views of everyone in the business including, of course, key players in the outbound sector.
“He wants to meet the Aito as early as the diary allows and is very keen to learn of their concerns.”