BHA chief calls for hospitality sector promotion

02/07/2009 16:16:06

Hoteliers and restaurateurs across the UK must stress the importance of tourism to the UK during the run-up to the next general election, it has been claimed.

Bob Cotton, chief executive of British Hospitality Association (BHA), told delegates at the BHA annual luncheon in London that the vital role played by the hospitality industry in the economy must be promoted.

Alluding to the importance of hotel, restaurant and catering jobs, he claimed that tourism and hospitality is "the economic lifeline" for many regions of the UK.

He added: "All of us in the industry - nationally, regionally, locally - have the task of ensuring that our politicians and parliamentary candidates at the next general election fully understand the scale of the contribution that the industry makes to the economy.

"The industry needs a government that understands that tourism remains a key economic driver - both nationally and in the regions."

Mr Cotton added that as London 2012 approaches, there will be "unprecedented opportunities" for hospitality providers in the UK – potentially referring to the creation of further Olympic jobs.

Earlier this week, Dennis Klett, co-founder and director of Domegos.co.uk, claimed that the UK economy is set to benefit from an increase in the number of UK families taking their summer holidays at home.

Hotel jobs in the UK

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