Hospitality sector throws support behind Tourism Recovery Plan
The government’s plan includes a £10m National Lottery ‘Days Out’ scheme of vouchers to support attractions and a new rail pass to encourage domestic breaks
The hospitality industry is issuing its support for the government’s Tourism Recovery Plan, which will aim to energise the country’s economy after the pandemic.
The government’s plan includes a £10m National Lottery ‘Days Out’ scheme of vouchers to support attractions and a new rail pass to encourage domestic breaks.
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said: “We are delighted to see the government recognising the key role hospitality and tourism plays in the UK with this new plan.
“The people and businesses in these sectors will be the power driving the UK’s recovery, in levelling-up, and in building back better as we emerge from the pandemic. The sector is a huge employer of people and investors in local communities and will pay forward to any support it is given.”
She added: “As well as this new Plan, this support needs to include a root and branch reform of business rates, support in promoting our sector as a career of choice for everyone and a permanently reduced rate of VAT.
“This will enable us to compete on a level playing field with other international destinations, not just as we begin to re-open for domestic and overseas visitors but in the longer term too, cementing the UK’s reputation as a top tourist destination.”
On the plan, Lord Patrick McLoughlin, chairman of VisitBritain and VisitEngland, said: “(It is) an important step on the road to recovery, recognising the economic potential of the sector [and] setting a clear policy direction.”
