Former Tourism Minister John Lee has criticised both Conservative and Labour Governments for having let down English tourism.
Mr Lee, Minister for Tourism from 1987 to 1989 (he joined the Liberal Democrat Party in 2001), was speaking to a breakfast meeting of the Liberal Democrat Business Forum where he outlined the preliminary conclusions of the Liberal Democrat Tourism Commission, which he chairs.
He said: “Tourism is a £75 billion industry which accounts for over 5% of GNP. Yet it has been let down by both Conservative and Labour Governments.”
“Given the size and scale of the industry”, Mr Lee said, “it is ridiculous to consider emasculating and destroying the ETC. We need a strong national body that is properly funded. With £61b extra for public spending in the CSR, it must be possible to find the necessary resources.
“Labour has blown a very great opportunity. It would have cost nothing to have included the word tourism in the title of the DCMS. Foot and Mouth cost tourism £9 billion, but the Government did not understand its value to the rural economy. It is high time we had a Government that recognised the importance of this vital industry. “
Among the recommendations under consideration were:
