Bed & Breakfast News Christmas 2016 (#43) | Page 11

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Dierdre wells

UKinbound chief executive Deirdre Wells
(above) said: “It’s incredibly encouraging
to hear that confidence levels have spiked
for our members, exceeding those
experienced pre- and post-Brexit.
“Further positive news was reported via
our survey with 44% of our members stating
that bookings and visitor numbers in July
and August 2016 were up year-on-year.The
weakness of the pound, increased demand
from European markets and better weather
were all cited as reasons behind the increase.”
She added: “These results show that the
UK inbound tourism industry should be
cautiously optimistic.
“It is imperative this trend continues but
we need the support and backing of the
government through a strong narrative
promoting the UK as a welcoming destination;
along with continued access to the single
market and the open skies agreement.”

Almost three quarters (71%) of members
ranked free movement of visitors from
the European Union as the top policy
that the government should address
with Brussels, followed by the free
movement of migrant workers.
Wells said: “This is an important issue for
our members and we will continue working
with the government to address this
requirement, ensuring residency for our
members’ employees is addressed.”
The hospitality and tourism industry is the
UK’s fourth largest industry, employing
4.49 million people. Hospitality alone
accounted for one in five of all new jobs
created in the UK between 2010 and 2014.
Over the past five years the industry has
delivered 331,000 new jobs and is on track
to deliver a further 100,000 new jobs by
the end of the decade. It represents 10%
of GDP, equivalent to £143 billion.