UKinbound blasts chancellor for ignoring sector

UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft said the £1 billion Omicron aid package announced by the chancellor would “undoubtedly” help domestic business, but added: 

“However, it is astounding that hospitality businesses, which can trade, will receive sector specific support, but the UK’s tourism supply chain, such as inbound UK tour and coach operators, are being left to wither and die. 
 
“The government’s own arrival testing and quarantine restrictions has seen inbound business virtually wiped out for 22 months. The sector has had no targeted support, which will leave many businesses involved in the UK’s fifth largest export sector, inbound tourism, left wondering just how little the government cares or understands.”
 
VisitBritain yesterday announced the UK’s combined inbound tourism loss in spending for 2020 and 2021 was £47 billion.

“Today’s announcement and lack of meaningful support rubs further salt into the wounds of the UK’s inbound tourism industry,” Croft said.