The announcement by the Government will see the sector prioritised and recognised as a key driver of future economic growth and vital to the prosperity of the UK. It 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 a recruitment campaign.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of 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.
“UKHospitality has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Government understands the importance of our vital industry and we look forward to continuing this partnership, with positive action to secure the future workforce for our sector.”
In addition, the deal would see local Tourism Zones created, a new business events strategy and significant investment in infrastructure.
Nick Varney, UKHospitality chairman and chief executive of Merlin Entertainments, said: “I welcome the announcement of this sector deal, which is an acknowledgement by Government of the critical role tourism and hospitality plays in the future of the UK economy. Realisation of this opportunity coincides with consumers’ increasing desire for experiences; whether that’s a high-quality stay, a delicious meal or a fun day out.
“I hope this agreement will act as a catalyst for greater cooperation and connectivity between our industry, Government and other stakeholder groups in supporting tourism and hospitality as the choice for investment and the place for an exciting and rewarding career.”
UKHospitality operates around 65,000 venues in the sector and employs 3.2million people. Hospitality represented 10% of UK employment, 6% of businesses and 5% of GDP.
Leading UKHospitality members welcomed the deal. Nick Mackenzie, chief executive at Greene King, said: “We welcome the Government’s announcement of this sector deal, which recognises the important role of the industry in the UK’s economic growth. We are proud of Greene King’s contribution to the industry, employing 38,000 people.
“We are also one of the largest hospitality sector providers of apprenticeships in the UK and have supported more than 11,000 team members through apprenticeships since 2011. We are 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.”
Tim Doubleday, group chief financial officer 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.
“As a global business and one of the most well-known brands in the UK, we are committed to ensuring our employees are given every opportunity to grow and develop in their careers, and this deal will support us in that commitment.”