new alliance set to lobby Government

representatives have come together to form an alliance to address on-going problems affecting the industry.

Called the Tourism Alliance it is the first time the industry has attempted to co-ordinate one voice, recognised by Government. The alliance, made up of ABTA, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, the British Hospitality Association, British Incoming Tour Operators Association, Association of Recognised English Language Services, British Beer and Pub Association and the British Holiday and Home Parks Association, will be chaired by Confederation of British Industry director Digby Jones.

It was formed at a two-day meeting called by culture secretary Tessa Jowell to encourage the industry to look at the challenges it is facing.

Tourism minister Kim Howells said: “The forming of the alliance is a clear signal that the CBI and British Government have woken up to how important tourism is. The industry is successful and has not needed help in the past but this year it has been so badly affected that it has shown it needs representation.”