Travel bosses urge government to support sector amid Brexit
James ChappleMore than a dozen leading lights from across the travel sector marched on 10 Downing Street on Wednesday (November 7) to urge the government to support the long-term sustainable growth of the UK’s travel and tourism sector during Brexit - and ensure the country remains an attractive place for investment upon leaving the EU.
The delegation from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) included 13 global private sector travel leaders, who spoke with one voice to demand ministers support the industry by maximising the many social and economic benefits of a healthy travel sector “and preserve the UK’s status as a world tourism leader”.
WTTC members have praised certain aspects of the government’s approach to growing the sector in spite of Brexit, such as its commitment to progressive visa policies as a way of attracting tourists and its drive to embrace technological innovation, such as biometrics.
However, the WTTC has also warned the government must now deliver on its promises by allowing the sector to maximise the use of any existing travel and tourism infrastructure and capacity to drive growth, and integrate modern technology into travel supply chains to increase security and improve passenger flow.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and chief executive, said: “Travel and tourism is one of the UK’s great success stories. The UK is the world’s fifth largest travel and tourism economy. Our sector sustains millions of jobs and billions of pounds for the UK economy. Recent growth in UK has been particularly strong, for which the government should be commended.
“WTTC’s partnership with the UK government has resulted in [this] delegation of private sector leaders to Number 10 Downing Street to discuss how travel and tourism can be used to continue to drive inward investment and job creation. We look forward to extending our partnership to the next level and continuing to support the long-term sustainable growth of the UK travel and tourism sector.
“Part of this growth will come from the most efficient use of existing infrastructure. The UK has an opportunity to lead the world in the adoption of biometric technology in the travel chain. It is vital we embrace the most modern technology to maximise the use of existing capacity while increasing security and enhancing the traveller journey.”
'Great opportunity' for UK to lead on travel tech
Travel and tourism in the UK currently sustains more than four million jobs and contributes more than 10% of the UK’s GDP, according to the WTTC.
International visitor numbers increased 5.1% to 37.7 million last year, and the sector itself grew three times faster than the economy as a whole (5.3% versus 1.7%).
Michel Taride, Hertz International group president, said: “The UK is recognised as an engine for innovation in Europe. In the travel industry in particular, the UK is at the forefront of the digital transformation and now new start-ups are further accelerating this momentum in mobility and travel. There is a great opportunity for the country to continue to enhance its digital leadership after Brexit.”
Arthur de Haast, chairman the Global Capital Markets board and hotels and hospitality group JLL, added: “From a global perspective, the UK is seen as one of the best places in the world to invest due to its world-leading transparency, taxation, and legal system. Not only does this status need to be maintained and enhanced after Brexit, but we also need to work hard to make sure that this message is understood globally.”
James Chapple
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