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UKinbound submits key policy requests for Autumn Statement
UKinbound has issued a wish list of five key requests ahead of the Government’s Autumn Statement in November.
It seeks a new five-year low cost visitor visa which would ensure the UK’s visa and entry systems are globally competitive.
Research from The Tourism Alliance shows that an additional £2 billion could be generated in revenue for the government.
Also, expand and reform of the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme to three years and with the UK’s major EU source markets
UKInbound wants to see an increase in the marketing budget of VisitBritain so that the UK is on a level playing field with the rest of Europe
The Government commissions an independent review of its figures on the cost of VAT free shopping to take into account wider economic activity and behaviour change, rather than simply the refund of VAT.
And finally, the introduction of a new Youth Group Travel Scheme which would facilitate the travel of young people under the age of 18 to travel more easily to the UK from the EU.
UKinbound has also collated the results of its latest Business Barometer member survey which it undertook in September 2023.
Conducted by Qa Research, the survey shows that confidence levels remain high for 81% of businesses.
Expected or confirmed bookings for Q4 of 2023 are at the same level or higher than they were pre-pandemic for around 80% of businesses.
There is strong demand from US visitors with over two thirds of businesses (67%) responding to the survey reporting that they are seeing growth.
However, only 11% of businesses are seeing growth from China.
Joss Croft OBE, CEO of UKinbound commented “Our business barometer survey has demonstrated increasing business confidence and this is reflected in the growth of their bookings.”
“But we cannot be complacent as international tourism is a very competitive industry.
“This is why we are calling on the Government to support and further boost the UK’s inbound tourism.”
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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