Tourism Society News 27-April-06

Close this news item

A FAIR FUNDING DEAL FOR ENGLISH TOURISM?

English tourism's public sector funding was put under the spotlight by public and private sector speakers at a meeting held in London by The Tourism Society.

Chaired by Bernard Donoghue MTS, of sponsor VisitBritain, the meeting was prompted by concerns that English tourism is losing out, especially when compared with Scotland and Wales. Speaking were Janet Anderson MP, Tourism Minister from 1998-2001, Anita Thornberry MTS of the East of England Development Agency, Amanda Shepherd MTS, President of the Tourism Management Institute and Richard Carrick, CEO of Hoseasons Holidays.

The panel highlighted the difficulty of measuring both public investment in tourism and its economic impact. A highly fragmented industry which nevertheless generates £75 billion, it has always been difficult to argue its case to Treasury, but speakers agreed that the problem was less shortage of funding than inconsistency and confusion in the way funds are allocated, spent and monitored.

The importance of public sector investment in the domestic product, the private sector squaring up to competition from publicly funded commercial activities, bed tax and the suggestion that three national tourist boards with a shared overseas marketing arm could replace the current structure, were all issues raised and discussed during the evening.

Summing up, Bernard Donoghue MTS said, 'Looking at tourism in England and how it is funded is a timely debate and we are delighted to have facilitated it for The Tourism Society. It is clear that we all - private and public organisations, large and small - have our parts to play in its future'.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:
Flo Powell Tel: 020 7488 2789 Email Flo

Note to Editors:

The Tourism Society (est.1977) is the leading network of professionals in the industry. All sectors are represented, including: accommodation, attractions, destinations, operators, travel companies, writers, academics, students and consultants.

Close this news item