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The British Hospitality Association has urged unions organising the London tube strike to call off future actions to allow the UK to ‘keep up’ with other global cities.
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the trade association said London’s economy is “heavily reliant” on its fast and reliable public transport network to move around the capital’s residents, tourists and visitors.
She said that strike action, especially during the busy summer months, is a “nightmare” for the hotel, restaurant and visitor attraction industry who have to maintain high standards while facing staff shortages and unpredictable customer footfall as a result of the strike.
She said: “London needs the new round-the-clock tube service on weekends as soon as possible. It is essential to keep up with global cities like New York and Berlin, and to support London’s 24-hour lifestyle.
“The unions should call off their strike action and allow London to continue to welcome visitors with open arms.”
According to figures from hotel search website Trivago, London hotel searches fell 24% during the previous tube strike which took place in July, and the BHA said that it expects that this will happen again.
Ibrahim added: “We hope that trade union leaders will be able to avoid further strike action in the future so our members can continue to welcome guests uninterrupted and to protect London’s place as the top destination in the world.”
