'New government must take tourism more seriously', says Bob Cotton

In the BHA column, Bob Cotton said: "We live in interesting political times. Following David Cameron's appointment as Prime Minister and the introduction of a Conservative/Liberal Democrat adminisration, we now have a government that can give stability for the country and which can offer a clear view of the way forward, particularly in the areas of public expenditure, tax policies and interest rates. Clarity and firm leadership is what business wants. "For the hospitality industry, we must be cautiously optimistic and look forward to the government taking tourism more seriously than the previous administration did, with more support for investment and greater co-ordination of Whitehall policies affecting the industry, particularly in the regulatory area." The BHA then went on to reiterate the issues raised in its election manifesto: Fewer regulations, and those that are introduced should be more accurately costed and assessed for their impact on small businesses. An understanding that the industry is a potential job creator and is the main economic driver of many regions in the country – even including London. Yet, in an industry largely made up of small businesses, past fiscal and regulatory measures have inhibited private investment to a great extent. Greater encouragement by the government for businesses to invest, through the introduction of appropriate tax breaks and capital allowances (eg: Hotel Building Allowance). Only through more private investment will the industry be able to meet rising international competition. A government department (presumably the DCMS) which is stronger and more able to represent the industry with other government departments and throughout Whitehall. Too many local, regional and national tourism bodies are fighting for limited amounts of funding to promote Britain internationally, nationally and locally. Only some Regional Development Agencies have seriously supported their tourism industry while a number of regional tourism boards have been disbanded. A more coherent approach to the country's tourism infrastructure is required.