UKinbound plans to raise key issues such as Brexit and Air Passenger Duty with new tourism minister Rebecca Pow.
The organisation wants to start a dialogue regarding the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the UK’s inbound tourism industry.
A meeting between the minister and association is due to take place in the coming weeks to discuss a range of topics.
These include:
- Brexit and its impact on the inbound tourism industry
- Competitiveness of the UK’s visa regime
- Taxation, specifically Air Passenger Duty and VAT
- Employment and skills, specifically business proficient language skills
- The ‘welcome’ that international visitors receive when they come to the UK
Pow, Conservative MP for Taunton Deane in Somerset, was appointed to the role last month. She was previously personal private secretary to the work and pensions secretary.
UKinbound CEO Joss Croft (pictured) said: “The UK tourism industry is incredibly valuable to the UK’s economy, contributing nearly £23 billion in 2018, and it’s paramount that we work with our colleagues in government to ensure opportunities and challenges are maximised and addressed.
“I’m delighted to welcome Rebecca Pow MP as tourism minister and I’m looking forward to meeting with her in the coming weeks.
“The Brexit clock is ticking and summer recess is just over a month away, so we’re keen to get down to business and bring Rebecca up to speed regarding inbound tourism.
“We are also grateful to former tourism minister Michael Ellis MP for his support to our industry during the last 16 months, particularly at World Travel Market and at our parliamentary reception last summer.”