The hospitality sector has welcomed the launch of the government’s Sector Deal for Tourism, which will see the sector prioritised and recognised as a key driver of future economic growth and job creation.
Extensively campaigned for by UKHospitality, the deal, launched by the Prime Minister today, will see the creation of a Hospitality and Tourism Skills Board, promoting hospitality as a career of choice, supporting and funding a three-year industry-led skills and recruitment campaign.
In addition, local Tourism Zones will be created, a new business events strategy and significant investment in infrastructure and connectivity, said UKHospitality.
Commenting on its launch, Kate Nicholls, CEO, UKHospitality, said: “This Sector Deal marks a tremendous moment for all of us in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industries. The move will be absolutely critical in changing the perception of the sector within government and the wider public opinion, and acknowledges that hospitality is key to the country’s economic growth.
“Tourism and hospitality are inextricably linked, with over 80% of tourism jobs within hospitality, so this will have a positive impact on our ability to recruit and retain the people we need.”
Other leading operators in the sector have also voiced their support.
Nick Mackenzie, CEO at Greene King, said it was looking forward to working with government and the industry through the Sector Deal, “which will help us support more people who are interested in a career in hospitality and tourism”.
While Bob Ivell, chairman at Mitchells & Butlers, described the deal as “a game-changer”, “moving the sector up the agenda and increasing employment opportunities in both hospitality and tourism”.
Tim Doubleday, group CFO at Burger King UK, added: “The tourism and eating-out industries are intrinsically linked so a sector deal for tourism that will positively impact UK hospitality businesses is to be welcomed.”
