Holidays matter

In Britain today 5 million people can’t even afford a simple day out

Really socially-inclusive holiday framework launched

The Holidays Matter http:// http://www.holidaysmatter.org.uk network was formally launched today at the World Travel Market

Today in Britain seven million people cannot find the money for an annual holiday and still more miss out because the challenges of daily life are too great.

Holidays Matter launches with the following aims:

• to help more people benefit from breaks
• to build a network of businesses, voluntary sector groups, and tourism bodies with an interest in increasing provision of holidays and breaks for those who can’t currently enjoy any sort of break
• to influence policy at both local and national level to recognise the importance of holidays and breaks
• to learn from the best models in mainland Europe and implement this learning in the UK
• to bring together organisations under the Holidays Matter banner to present a coherent message using consistent terminology.

The network willprovide a framework for organisations who believe that every single person in this country should have the opportunity for a break away from home.

Commenting on the launch John McDonald, Director of the Family Holiday Association said "We believe that Holidays Matter. They broaden horizons, provide a break from every day stresses and strains and create memories that last a lifetime.

"In Britain today, five million people cannot afford even a simple day out. We simply cannot afford to have so many people excluded from the many benefits a break or day trip can provide.

 "Creating a network to share ideas and best practice under the Holidays Matter banner is the next logical step to advancing co-ordination and delivery in this vital area."

Organisations are invited to join the network by completing a simple form. The information gathered will, in time, deliver a comprehensive overview of provision across the UK. Qualifying organisations will be able to display the Holidays Matter mark.

The Holidays Matter’s website http://www.HolidaysMatter.org.uk  and Twitter feed @HolidaysMatter also launched today.

Peter Long, Chief Executive of TUI and President of the Family Holiday Association called for the UK government to act.

He spoke of the millions of children and parents who could not afford a break each year and called for the government to assess public spending to help those people.

"Whoever assumes power after the forthcoming election, I urge the following to happen: all the £500 million currently allocated by central government for family breaks must be ring-fenced and not diverted by local authorities, and the government must have a greater understanding and appreciation of the positive impact a simple break can have on family life."

Long said that more than two million families in Britain, equating to seven million people, do not have enough money for a holiday.

 "We want to raise awareness of the positive impact that holidays can have on people’s lives. Holidays help to make stronger, healthier, happier families and perhaps most crucial of all, they contribute to a healthier, happier society which benefits everyone."

 "Holidays Matter is an initiative that drives right to the heart of what we’re all trying to achieve," he said.

"It’s a commitment to the fundamental principle that every single person in this country, adult and child, should have the opportunity for a break away from home.

"We simply can no longer stand for 30% of families with dependent children to be excluded from the many benefits a simple family break, or day out, can provide.

Valere Tjolle

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