The UK can’t afford to be a ‘European appendix’ was the warning from Mario Bodini, chairman of the European Tour Operators Association, at an industry gathering this week.
Speaking at the Parliamentary reception to celebrate the launch of English Tourism Week, Bodini said crucial long-haul visitors have a ‘European Vacation’ on their minds when they book and that’s what they talk about on their return.
"Destination Europe stands above national boundaries: the biggest selling single product is the London-Paris package," he said.
"So, whatever happens in Brexit, we cannot turn our backs on the UK being part of this Europe that is a reality in clients minds.
"If anything bad happens in Paris, Belgium or Rome, demand for the UK falls. More positively, it is far easier to persuade a Chinese, Japanese or American consumer who has decided to visit France to come to Britain than it is to attract them from Shanghai, Tokyo or Los Angeles.
"In the long-haul markets where most growth is anticipated; the UK cannot afford to be a European appendix."
ETOA celebrates its 30th birthday this year and now has 1100 pan-European members.
