Business & Finance

VisitBritain Chief Makes Case for Tourism

VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues has made a powerful case for tourism's ability to create and sustain employment throughout the UK. Speaking at the launch of the national tourism agency's annual review for 2008/09 he said, "The tourism industry's ability to deliver rapid employment and economic returns makes it a vital prop in sustaining Britain's economy in turbulent times. As a labour intensive industry that buys many goods and services from other parts of the economy, it can drive economic growth more quickly than other sectors and should be central to efforts to bring the UK out of recession.

"The £114 billion visitor economy offers significant returns on investment, with a national reach that is not restricted to one particular area or region of the country. The large number of tourism-related SMEs ensures that there are plenty of entry-level jobs that are accessible to all," he added.

Despite indications of a strong summer for domestic tourism and holiday visits up from near West European countries, Britain's international competitiveness is far from secure in the current challenging economic climate. The 32 million visits to the UK from abroad last year represented a decline of three per cent. Despite visitor spending reaching £16.3 billion, a nominal rise of two per cent, it wasn't sufficient to prevent Britain sliding to seventh place in the world league table. Inbound tourism continued to fall in the first six months of 2009 - down by nine per cent - with leisure visits up but corporate and business travel heavily affected.

A slower final quarter of the year could jeopardise some of the 2.6 million jobs and livelihoods that depend on healthy tourism receipts. Indeed VisitBritain's forecasts the number of trips to Britain could fall by as much as five per cent come the end of the year.

Mr Rodrigues added,"In spite of these difficult times, I have no doubt that, by working closely with the Government, the industry and our strategic partners in London, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we will emerge from this turbulent period in good shape."

Sign up to receive more articles like this on the Hotel Newswire Daily Digest eNewsletter.


Receive the free Daily Digest
Coming Up In The March Online Hotel Business Review

"Hotel Business Review offers weekly articles for hotel management and operation and discussion on emerging growth markets."
Feature Focus
Hotel Human Resources: The Biggest Challenges
The economic challenges of the past four years have led many hotel companies to re-examine the ways in which they do business and how they deploy talent. In many cases, the work did not go away and fewer people were left to carry on the tasks that had previously been shared among many. As we work our way out of the recession and look forward to a healthier economic environment, there is an understanding that despite recovering business levels, we may never see the return of former staffing levels. This "new norm" of operating with leaner teams has led Human Resources professionals and people managers to look at career development and growth opportunities in a new light. The March Hotel Business Review will take a look at some of the strategies being used by successful hotel brands, and techniques human resource directors are currently exploring.
INSIGHTS FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
"The Four Habits of Highly Effective Human Resources"
By James Bermingham, Vice President, Montage Hotels
"Embassy Suites 'The Circle of Leadership"
By Darci Riesenhuber, Director of Brand Culture, Embassy Suites Hotels
"Applying Consumer Marketing Best Practices to Employee Loyalty"
By Fred Bendana, Executive Director Client Services, Maritz Loyalty & Motivation
"How Incentives are Changing to Keep Existing Staff Motivated?"
By Jim Houran, Partner, HVS Executive Search
PLUS: Mobile Technology - Attracting & Retaining Top Talent - Education - Employee Engagement - Employment Claims & Litigation - Employment Contracts - HR Management.