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Labour faces industry criticism for failing to mention Air Passenger Duty in its newly-published tourism manifesto.
However, the main opposition party does pledge to end the “dither and delay” over airport expansion by saying it will take a swift decision following publication of the Airports Commission findings after next year’s general election.
A decision on airport expansion and regional airport connections will take environmental as well as economic considerations into account, according to shadow culture secretary Harriet Harman.
The eight-point plan to boost tourism includes cutting business rate bills on 1.5 million business properties to help small firms and put in place a proper British Investment Bank supported by a network of local banks to improve lending to small firms.
Labour will simplify fare structures to make rail travel cheaper and easier for tourists to understand, and take action on the UK’s “fragmented” rail service “to guarantee everybody gets the best fare”.
An “efficient and robust” visa system will be created to enable tourists to visit the UK when there is no reason to refuse them entry, with exit checks to ensure visas are enforced.
But while the Airport Operators Association described the strategy as “excellent starting point” and welcomed prompt action on runway expansion, it voiced disappointment that APD appears to have been ignored.
“The Labour Party has consistently called for the government to implement a Treasury revenue into the impact of APD on the whole of the UK economy, something we wholeheartedly support,” the AOA said.
“We will continue to make the case for this policy to be included in its upcoming general election manifesto.”
Abta head of public affairs Stephen D’Alfonso said: “From an Abta member perspective, urgent action on airport capacity, the successful completion of consumer protection reforms, and further review and reduction of APD are areas that the next government – however it may be made up – must act on.
“Travel and tourism creates jobs and wealth in every constituency across the country, and this announcement highlights the importance that Labour has put on the industry as an economic generator, and a vote winner.
“We will watch with interest to see the priority given to tourism by the other major parties on the road to 2015.”
Unveiling the manifesto for tourism on a visit to Buxton in Derbyshire, Harman described tourism as being an economic powerhouse for Britain which has not been given the recognition it deserves.
“This Tory-led government’s approach has been patchy. Ministers have failed to take a properly joined-up approach,” she said.
“We will ensure better co-ordination to make the most of the opportunities that tourism brings, for local economies, for jobs and skills and for our heritage.
“We will support tourists from the point that they decide to travel here, through to making the most of their visit.
“Heritage sites, beautiful seaside and countryside and visitor attractions are spread throughout the country, and so many localities need the regeneration that tourism can bring.”