HF Holidays blasts Government

HF HOLIDAYS’ chief executive Peter Chapman has lashed out at the Government’s handling of the foot and mouth crisis.

Chapman made the comments as the walking holiday specialists revealed a loss of £850,000 for last year compared to profits of £550,000 the year before.

The company has blamed the poor figures on the foot and mouth crisis.

Chapman said: “This unexpected and unwelcome loss has put back our maintenance programme by several years. As a major user of the countryside, we were devastated by the closure of footpaths, and suffered many hotel closures and employment problems.

“The measures taken by the Government were ill-thought out and a complete fiasco in implementation. The Government has announced several inquiries, but apparently none to address the issue of negligence and responsibility.

“Support for the tourism industry has been piecemeal and not directed to where it could do the most good, such as incentives to people to stay in Britain rather than holiday abroad.”