Tourism Alliance

Congratulations to Lisa Nandy on her appointment as Secretary of State at Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Yes, this is an important appointment for us in the tourism industry, but it's also an extremely important job in terms of fulfilling the Government's missions - especially on economic growth. We are so excited to get working with the new Secretary of State, the rest of her Ministerial team who will be appointed in the coming days, and her departmental officials on the new Government's plan for tourism. That should include a new, comprehensive, cross-Government Sustainable Tourism Growth Plan.

Congratulations to Keir Starmer and The Labour Party on their impressive victory in the election. We look forward to working with the new Government on their agenda for tourism and unlocking the unrealised potential for sustainable growth in our sector. We also congratulate all 650 MPs elected last night, especially those coming to Parliament for the first time. We look forward to meeting you and helping you enjoy, discover, appreciate and support the vital businesses in the visitor economy in your constituencies.

Our Executive Director, Richard Toomer, reports from a successful Cross-UK Tourism Alliances Meeting in Belfast.

In today's times Sonia Friedman Productions quite rightly says that scrapping tax-free shopping for our visitors was a "terribly short-sighted decision." Reversing this would be a quick win for an incoming Chancellor and a great way to boost the UK economy.

Earlier today we co-hosted a roundtable discussion on animals in tourism with our colleagues from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). We heard not only about the conservation work that many zoos do, but also the rigorous accreditation process that zoos go through to gain and retain BIAZA membership, which is replicated in many countries around the world. We also heard from colleagues about the positive effect that tourism can have in helping animals and the communities who protect them around the world. Thanks to colleagues who took part including ABTA, UKinbound, Institute of Tourist Guiding, Wedding Tourist and VisitEngland as well as Zoological Society of London (ZSL) for hosting us.

We are very pleased to announce that Emma McClarkin OBE of British Beer & Pub Association will serve as Chair of the Tourism Alliance 2024-5. Huge thanks to our outgoing Chair, Tom Jenkins, who will continue to serve on our newly reconstituted Board and Advisory Council. Other key changes. Brigid Simmonds steps down as Company Secretary and board member after many years of service. Huge thanks to her. Kate Nicholls OBE steps into her place as Secretary. And we welcome two new Advisory Council members: Deborah Heather representing The Tourism Society and Michael Dugher representing the Betting and Gaming Council. Welcome to them and looking forward to the year ahead.

Our Exec Director, Richard Toomer, on the need for a new Government Tourism Growth Plan.

The Labour Party's manifesto has now been published. Most of the policies have been well-trailed, but here are some key pullouts for our sector: As with the Conservative manifesto there are no specific commitments to supporting tourism and the visitor economy however there is plenty that will be consequential for tourism. A new industrial strategy including a sectoral approach. This could be an opportunity to revisit principals involved in developing the previous sector deal for tourism. The party is at pains to say it will create a pro-business environment. One fiscal event per year - stability for businesses. A roadmap for business taxation. Replace business rates with a new system which would raise the same amount of revenue but in a fairer way. A 10-year infrastructure strategy allied to national industrial strategy. GB Railways which the party says will revolutionise the delivery of rail services. A commitment to promoting sustainable aviation fuels and airspace modernisation. More English devolution with a statutory requirement for local growth plans - again allied to national industrial strategy. Create nine new National River Walks, one in each region of England, and establish three new National Forests in England. A commitment to tackling the polluted water and illegal sewage dumping. Reform of the apprenticeship levy to become a new flexible Growth and Skills Levy. A commitment to a reset UK-EU relationship, but no return to single market, customs union or freedom of movement. A commitment to removing unnecessary barriers to trade. A new trade strategy. https://lnkd.in/egniegAf

Today it's the turn of the The Conservative Party to launch their manifesto. Here's what it means for our sector. Sadly no specific commitments to support tourism and the visitor economy. And, as trailed, a pledge to *increase* visitor visa fees by a whopping 25% making them even less competitive than they already are. (Our reaction to this announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eWBAgMQm A commitment to giving councils power to 'manage the uncontrolled growth of holiday lets'. While there are certainly hot spots that it's right to deal with, sadly there is no recognition of the benefits that holiday accommodation bring to many parts of the country. A continued commitment to sustainable aviation fuels and investment in future aviation technology, and ruling out any kind of frequent flyer levy and indeed supporting domestic connectivity through Public Service Obligations. Keeping the VAT threshold under review and 'explore options' to smooth cliff edge. Something that could be hugely beneficial to small businesses in the sector, and boost tourism industry productivity. Launch a Seaside Heritage Fund (no further details yet). Designate a new National Park and deliver on existing commitments on National Trails. A new review of the nighttime economy in England, looking at how to reverse the decline in pubs and clubs and how to make towns and cities great places to go out. A promise to invest £4.7bn in smaller cities, towns and rural areas in the North and Midlands. Hopefully this level of investment would bring significant benefits to visitors as well as to local people. https://lnkd.in/eTyzqkeE

The Lib Dems have launched their manifesto. Some key policies for tourism: A commitment to 'upgrade the status of tourism in government with a dedicated Minister of State for Tourism and Hospitality.' A commitment to expand Youth Mobility to more countries, to 35yo, to three years duration, and abolishing fees for YMS visas. A commitment to 'end the sewage scandal' and legally binding targets to prevent dumping to bathing waters. Investment to make the the UK the world leader in zero carbon flight. BUT Banning some domestic flights and a moratorium on airport expansion. An increase in council tax to 500% for 'second home owners'. (Not clear how this would work for tourism accommodation owners). https://lnkd.in/eEqPKYCq