tourism


Regulations – The Empire Strikes Back


kurt jAnson is policy director of Tourism Alliance


BHA welcomes G20 declaration


British Hospitality Association chief executive Ufi Ibrahim has urged the government to act quicker in its support for UK tourism, aſter G20 world leaders recognised the global sector’s importance. Leaders of the world’s 20


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arly last year, the government said with great fanfare that it was going to a have a bonfire of outdated and unnecessary legislation as part of


measures to allow businesses to provide the growth and employment needed to pull the country out of recession. Part of this was a series of Red Tape


Challenge consultations where different sectors could submit suggestions as to what the government could do in the way of reg- ulation busting to support businesses. It’s now nine months since tourism min-


ister John Penrose announced the results of the Red Tape Challenge for the tourism and hospitality sector – that more than 100 pieces of regulation had been considered, with 12 set to be scrapped and a further 50 to be simplified. Te minister also estab- lished an industry-led Regulation Taskforce to detail what else could be done. In January, the taskforce published its


comprehensive report on 63 pieces of legis- lation that should be repealed or amended to reduce regulatory burden. So how many pieces of legislation have been amended and repealed so far? Unfortunately, none. Not that this is through any lack of


enthusiasm on behalf of the minister or government officials – and should also be acknowledged that changing regulation does not happen overnight as there is a due process of consultation to go through. One of the main stumbling blocks is other


Whitehall departments and agencies, who are reluctant to change legislation and are quietly fighting to water-down proposals. An example: In September the government said it would scrap regulations requiring businesses to post “no smoking” signs. However, the Department of Health is


now proposing that firms produce their own signs, rather than buying ones that comply with a strict standard. Te fear is that without such signs, there will be a mass outbreak of smoking in public buildings. What is clear is that, rather than having


been won, the battle to reduce regulation has only just got underway.


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leading economies recently signed a declaration for the first time, which underlined the role of tourism in driving economic growth and creat- ing new job opportunities. Ibrahim welcomed the


move and urged the govern- ment to do more to address some of the issues affecting the UK industry. Among the issues that world leaders have


Te government has been urged to do more to address UK sector issues


pledged to work on following the signing of the declaration is the easing of visa restrictions and entry procedures for overseas tourists. Ibrahim said: “Te declaration at G20 must encourage the UK government to act more


urgently to encourage the growth of UK tour- ism so that we can create more jobs. “It can do this by reducing VAT on hospital-


ity services; easing visa controls on key source markets; making a decision on airport capac- ity; and lightening the regulatory burden. Details: http://lei.sr?a=x4J5m


New Mind to help enhance Outer Hebrides appeal


New Mind, the Liverpool-based provider of e-Tourism solutions, has been appointed to help establish Scotland’s Outer Hebrides as a “must-visit” tourist destination. Te £150,000 scheme is led by the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association and


includes the creation of a new brand identity and comprehensive destination website. It is hoped that the initiative will attract


more visitors to the region, which already welcomes 200,000 tourists a year. Details: http://lei.sr?a=f1b7P


NT expands initiative for overseas visitors


Te National Trust (NT) has announced it has expanded its Touring Pass initiative for overseas visitors, which now allows for the pass to be bought “on the day”. Touring Passes, which


cover NT-operated sites over a seven- or 14-day period, had previously only been available through the trust’s online retail outlet, national tourism agency VisitBritain or selected overseas travel agents. However, the initiative has


been expanded to capitalise on the expected tourism boost from the 2012 Games and is to operate at selected sites in south east and south west England until 3 September. NT visitor experience director Tony Berry said: “We hope to make it easier than ever


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital Te promotion will run at at selected sites in the south east/south west


before for international visitors to discover des- tinations and the importance of the National Trust’s work to conserve these places.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=E9H3y


Twitter: @leisureopps © CYBERTREK 2012


image: kamira/shutterstock.com


image: mike scott


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