New tourism consultation launched

The Government has launched a consultation into the UK tourism sector to establish its effectiveness in supporting the industry.

The Committee seeks views on a number of issues including the value of its sponsored bodies such as Visit Britain, as well as the effect of the current tax regime including proposals for bed tax and its impact on the industry's competitiveness.

Other areas of guidance up for debate include the practicality of promoting more environmentally friendly forms of tourism; as well as the challenges and opportunities for the domestic and inbound tourism sectors including cheap flights abroad and their impact on traditional tourist destinations; and views on how to maximise opportunities arising from the 2012 London Olympics.

The closing date for written responses is 16 March.

Earlier this week, the Government has launched a consultation seeking views on proposed changes to the alcohol licensing guidance governing the 2003 Licensing Act, including official clarification over whether a personal licence holder needs to be physically present for the sale of alcohol to take place.

For more on the Olympics click here >>

By Kerstin Kühn

E-mail your comments to Kerstin Kühn here.

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