UKinbound supports inbound tourism inquiry

Travel trade association UKinbound has welcomed the launch of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee’s inquiry into Promoting Britain Abroad.

The committee’s inquiry will ‘examine how Britain’s cultural heritage can be used to promote the country as an international holiday destination and boost a damaged tourist industry.’

It was announced following lobbying work by UKinbound to bring attention to the crippling challenges inbound tourism businesses have faced throughout the pandemic, and the urgent need for sector specific support to boost recovery.

The inquiry is inviting written submissions addressing a number of areas, including what should be done by government and tourist boards to support inbound tourism, and if the Tourism Recovery Plan goes far enough to support the industry’s recovery.

UKinbound will be submitting a written response to these, and additional questions posed by the committee, and has shared them with its members requesting their views and input.

Commenting on the announcement, Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said "We welcome the DCMS Select Committee’s inquiry into Promoting Britain Abroad and the comments by the DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight MP that the commission will examine if, considering the challenges ahead, the Government is doing enough to support the recovery of the sector."

"We have consistently presented Government with clear evidence of the crippling effects of Covid-19 on the UK’s fifth largest export industry. We have outlined the desperate need for tailored support and presented grant proposals, all which clearly outlined how inbound tourism can accelerate the UK’s economic recovery."

The announcement comes after earlier this week the association urged the government to ensure that any changes the UK’s ‘fully vaccinated’ criteria does not derail the recovery of the tourism industry.

The letter was issued amid speculation that the Government will change, what qualifies as fully vaccinated in the UK to incorporate the booster vaccine.

Additionally, UKinbound asked for a coordinated four nations approach on policy for vaccinated arrivals and removal of day 2 testing for vaccinated arrivals.

"We can’t lose sight of the impact that day two testing for vaccinated arrivals is having on our industry, as many potential international arrivals continue to visit alternative destinations across Europe where testing for those fully vaccinated isn’t required," Croft added.