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UKinbound applauds BA
UKinbound has welcomed comments from British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh in supporting the expansion of Heathrow.
The trade association for the UK’s inbound tourism businesses said BA had become an “important advocate†of the country’s visitor economy by dispelling some of the myths which have been reported regarding the development of the airport.
Walsh spoke of the importance of Heathrow for inbound tourism, for London and for the whole of the UK economy as Government’s three-month consultation on a third runway and sixth terminal at Heathrow came to an end (see earlier TravelMole story).
Stephen Dowd, chief executive of UKinbound, said: “It’s time to stop demonising air travel and aviation as the great polluter and have a serious conversation about how we can reduce the environmental impact of tourism in general.
“Tourism is incredibly important to the UK and to world economy so to ensure it can continue to develop in a sustainable way is of vital importance.â€
Walsh had said: “The importance of inbound tourism to the UK and to the economies of the developing world is undeniable. The service sector accounts for 70% of UK GDP, and the UK is the world’s second largest exporter of services. Meanwhile, businesses in the UK regions will find it increasingly difficult to attract inward investment or promote their products in new overseas markets.
“Good air links are essential to success in a global economy. Campaign groups like HACAN may not believe this. But the CBI, the TUC, the City of London, Government and a host of economic commentators do.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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