Inbound industry invited to map out recovery by MPs
Rob GillAn influential committee of MPs is inviting the inbound travel sector to map out the recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.
The inbound sector, led by industry association UKinbound, has been one of the most prominent lobbying groups during the pandemic.
Now, the sector is being invited to submit its views of how to “promote the country as an international holiday destination” to the Promoting Britain Abroad inquiry by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee, which is accepting evidence until 6 January 2022.
The inquiry will look at several key issues: what the government and tourism boards should do to support the sector’s recovery, what happens if business is slow to return to pre-Covid levels and does the government’s Tourism Recovery Plan “go far enough” to support the rebound.
Joss Croft, chief executive of UKinbound, welcomed the committee’s inquiry and said they would be submitting a written response after canvassing members’ views.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic we have consistently presented government with clear evidence of the crippling effects of Covid-19 on the UK’s fifth largest export industry, inbound tourism,” said Croft.
“We have outlined the desperate need for tailored support and presented grant proposals, all which clearly outlined how inbound tourism can accelerate the UK’s economic recovery.
“The inbound tourism industry is looking to 2022 with a sense of optimism, but Brand Britain and portraying internationally that the UK is open for business, welcoming and a safe place to visit has never been more important.”
UKinbound also wrote to ministers earlier this week asking for “clarity” on how any potential changes to the UK fully vaccinated criteria could affect international travellers, as well as for the adoption of a “four nations approach” across the UK, and for the removal of the Day 2 test for vaccinated arrivals.
“We can’t lose sight of the impact that day two testing for vaccinated arrivals is having on our industry, as many potential international arrivals continue to visit alternative destinations across Europe where testing for those fully vaccinated isn’t required,” added Croft.
Meanwhile, the House of Commons Transport select committee’s inquiry into the recovery of international travel has closed for submissions, with Abta one of the industry bodies to submit its views.
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