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First tourism sector deal will prepare Britain
for an extra 9 million visits per year, with commitment
to build 130,000 new hotel rooms by 2025
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£250,000 scheme launched to improve broadband
connectivity in conference centres across the
UK.
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New tourism data hub will help businesses better
understand overseas visitors
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New focus on removing accessibility barriers for
visitors with disabilities The Prime Minister has
announced the UK’s first ever tourism sector deal today
(Friday 28 June), reaffirming the UK’s global role as a
key player in the industry.
The new deal will revolutionise the way data is used by the
sector, through the creation of new Tourism Data Hub. The
hub will collate regularly updated data showing the latest
trends and spends, allowing businesses to better target
overseas visitors.
The deal also includes a scheme worth £250,000 to improve
broadband connectivity in conference centres across the UK.
Last year around 38 million people visited the UK,
contributing £23 billion to the local economy. By 2025
experts predict that there will be an additional 9 million
visitors to the UK. The new deal commits to building an
additional 130,000 hotel rooms to respond to the increased
demand for infrastructure.
The deal also outlines the government’s ambitions for the
UK to become the most accessible destination for disabled
visitors, through improvement of disabled facilities and
access to destinations across the country.
Prime Minister said:
As one of the most visited countries in the world, the UK
is a world leader in international tourism and it is
crucial that we remain globally competitive to meet
growing demands.
That’s why today I am pleased to announce the UK’s first
ever tourism sector deal, ensuring that we continue to
innovate, boost connectivity and economic productivity
and break down barriers for visitors with disabilities.
This deal recognises the important role tourism plays,
and will continue to play, in showcasing what our great
country has to offer.
Secretary of State for Wales said:
Tourism is big business in Wales, and it is our ambition
that it continues to provide sustainable employment and
support our national economy.
This deal will make coming to Wales more accessible and
improve conditions for domestic and international
visitors, meaning they can make the most of our stunning
scenery and famous Welsh culture.
More information
about the Tourism Sector Deal can be found on the DCMS
website.
Developed in partnership with the British Tourist Authority
and Industry, the sector deal forms part of the UK
Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy supporting the
continued growth of the tourism sector, ensuring the UK
remains globally competitive as a top tourist destination.
British Tourist Authority Chair Steve Ridgway CBE said:
This sector deal is a game-changer for tourism, one of
the UK’s most valuable export industries, spelling a
step-change in how we underpin the success of tourism for
a generation, moving it to the top table as a leading
industry for the UK Government’s future economic
planning.
And it is a game-changer for the economy, growing the
value of the industry and employment in tourism, fixing
issues from skills and productivity to extending the
season year-round, building stronger tourism destinations
up and down the country and developing world-class
experiences for domestic and international visitors.
Tourism is one of the most fiercely competitive global
industries and this deal ensures we can continue to
compete internationally as a top destination for
visitors, driving major economic growth across the whole
of the UK.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The number of employees in the tourism sector has
increased by 17% since 2011. More than double the UK’s
overall employment trends.
- In 2018 there were more than 940,000 international
visitors to Wales. These visitors spent £404.6 million in
2018.
- The average international visitor to Wales stayed for
6.5 nights.
- The most popular visitor attraction was Bodnant Garden
and the most visited city was Cardiff.
