Small businesses need help to deliver Tourism Strategy – ALMR

04 March 2011
Small businesses need help to deliver Tourism Strategy – ALMR

The Government must do more to help small businesses deliver its Tourism Strategy, launched today.

That's the view of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), which warned that failing to recognise the role pubs played in delivering tourism services, facilities and jobs would see the White Paper doomed to failure.

Kate Nicholls, ALMR strategic affairs director said: "We welcome the recognition of the tourism sector's importance in generating jobs and growth across Britain. But we need much more than warm words and aspirations if we are to deliver that potential, and we cannot do that with one hand tied behind our back. There is little point in focusing on getting visitor numbers up if the outlets they want to visit are either struggling to survive or unable to provide the service they need."

Over 13 million tourists visit British pubs each year and pubs now serve more meals to in-bound and domestic tourists than traditional restaurants. A trip to a pub and a taste of traditional British beer are on most tourists "must do" lists and increasingly many want to stay in a pub as well. These vital facilities could be lost if the Government's plans to reform the licensing regime and increase operating costs are taken forward.

Nicholls added: "Pubs are undoubtedly the Cinderella of the hospitality and tourism sector. The Tourism Policy ignores them at its peril, because this research shows they could be the jewel in our crown, if given the right support. The Government invests in jobs in hi-tech and manufacturing industries, but our research reveals that the hospitality sector has the potential to outstrip these in terms of growth and job creation.

"The Chancellor needs to be as bold on growth as it was on cutting the deficit - and a cut in VAT for our sector could pay handsome dividends in the long term. In the meantime, if the Government is serious about supporting the tourism industry then it needs to do three very simple things - it needs to recognise and applaud the role pubs and bars play in that, it needs to stop penalising responsible operators and it needs to support Britain's pubs in doing what they do best - provide a great service and fantastic product to customers and a dynamic and fun working environment for their staff."

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By Neil Gerrard

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