Prime Minister Theresa May earlier today announced the UK’s first ever tourism sector deal set to consolidate the UK’s role as a key global leader in hospitality.
The deal will support the creation of an additional 10,000 apprenticeships for people building their careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The new deal also ‘commits’ to building an additional 130,000 hotel rooms to respond to the increased demand for infrastructure.
The new deal will look to improve how data is applied as a resource through the creation of new Tourism Data Hub. The hub will collate regularly updated data showing the latest trends and spends, enabling businesses to better marketing to overseas visitors.
Last year around 38 million people visited the UK, contributing £23 billion to the economy. By 2025 experts predict that there will be an additional 9 million visitors to the UK.
The deal also outlines the government’s ambitions for the UK to become the most accessible destination for disabled visitors, through improvement of disabled facilities and access to destinations across the country.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “As one of the most visited countries in the world, the UK is a world leader in international tourism, and it is crucial that we remain globally competitive to meet growing demands.
“That’s why today I am pleased to announce the UK’s first ever tourism sector deal, ensuring that we continue to innovate, boost connectivity and economic productivity, expand career pathways and breakdown barriers for visitors with disabilities.
“This deal recognises the important role tourism plays, and will continue to play, in showcasing what our great country has to offer.”
Kate Nicholls, CEO UKHospitalityThe announcement has been widely welcomed across the hospitality industry, Kate Nicholls, CEO UKHospitality, said:
“This Sector Deal marks a tremendous moment for all of us in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industries.
“Tourism and hospitality are inextricably linked, with over 80% of tourism jobs within hospitality, so this will have a positive impact on our ability to recruit and retain the people we need.
“UKHospitality has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Government understands the importance of our vital industry and we look forward to continuing this partnership, with positive action to secure the future workforce for our sector.”
Other commitments to the Hospitality and Tourism Sectors include:
- More than 130,000 new hotel rooms are set to be built across the UK, with 75% being built outside of London.
- £250,000 to improve broadband connectivity in conferences centres across the UK for business visitors.
- Pilot of up to five new Tourism Zones to drive visitor numbers across the country.
- 10,000 employees in the sector to benefit from new mentorship schemes.
H&C News are delighted to publish this news, it not only makes good reading for all who care about the future of our great industry, it makes immense economic sense for UK PLC.