Andrew Turner, last week met with Tourism Minister John Penrose MP to talk about the Government’s support for tourism businesses on the Isle of Wight
The Government has introduced a series of measures to boost the hospitality and tourism industries and the Minister discussed with the Island’s MP how these would impact directly on Island jobs.
Mr Penrose said:
“From abolishing red tape through to support for seaside arcades the Government is determined to do what we can to help this incredibly important sector. And with London 2012, the Cultural Olympiad and Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee all happening next year we have a once in a lifetime opportunity that I hope tourism businesses and their staff across the country will make the most of.”
Mr Turner added:
“Almost 15% of local residents are employed in the tourism sector and it plays a vital part in our local economy. The Minister visited the Island last year and was impressed with what he saw, and I was glad to have the opportunity to make the case for the Island again to him. Plans to capitalise on the Olympic Games next year should generate 60,000 jobs across the country. I want to make sure that as many of these as possible come to the Island.”
ENDS Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808
Notes to Editors
The Government is committed to promoting tourism
• Regulations and red tape. The Tourism Regulatory Task Force Report identified more than 60 out of the 102 Government regulations affecting the hospitality sector which will be abolished, merged or simplified (DCMS, Government cuts hospitality industry red tape, September 2011, link).
• Live entertainment licensing. Plans have been announced to get rid of bureaucracy that discourages people from organising concerts, plays and other live entertainment (DCMS, Press release, 10 September 2011, link).
• Support for seaside arcades. Rules affecting slot machines have been changed which had been driving seaside arcades out of business (DCMS, Government Tourism Policy, link).
• Tax boost to holiday lets. The Government’s first budget included proposals to give owners of holiday lets better taxation treatment. (HM Treasury, Budget 2010, June 2010, link).
• £150m in campaigns to market Great Britain at home and abroad. The Prime Minister launched the “Great” Campaign in New York earlier this year, and there is another campaign to persuade British people to holiday in the UK next year (DCMS, Prime Minister launches plans to generate long term economic growth from 2012 Olympic legacy, September 2011, link).
• Tourism Strategy. In March 2011 the Government’s Tourism Strategy was published (DCMS, Government Tourism Policy, link).
