Joss Croft, CEO, UKinbound said –
“The extension of furlough is very welcome news for our industry, as is the business rates holiday and its further cut. We’re also pleased that leisure grants of up to £18k will be available for businesses that need to stay closed for longer, but we urgently need confirmation from Government that tour operators, coach operators, language schools and event organisers will be eligible for these grants, having been unfairly excluded to date.
“It was however disappointing and a massively missed opportunity to hear that sector-specific support, which has been rolled out in Scotland, will not be provided. The VAT cut will be beneficial to hospitality and domestic tourism businesses, but its impact on inbound tourism, and the export value it delivers that will take longer to restart, will be minimal.
“The inbound tourism industry still has a long road to recovery and the Government needs to recognise this. International inbound tourism to the UK can play a crucial role in supporting the country’s economic recovery, and it’s levelling-up and Global Britain agenda, but this will only be possible when it’s safe to travel again. Until then we need Government to continue its dialogue with the industry and understand that further support is urgently required.”
