"Government could do more for tourism", says Hilton boss

Anthony Harris, chief executive of Hilton International, has called on the Government to give more backing to the UK tourism industry.

Speaking at the Hotel Report Special Crisis Seminar, which took place in London this week, Harris said that while he does not expect handouts from the Government he thinks it should give more backing to national events such as the forthcoming Queen's golden jubilee.

He also said that the country's poor transport system had a direct impact on tourism and that was also the Government's responsibility.

He highlighted current campaigns backed by the US government to bring tourists back to America, and a scheme in Puerto Rico where the goverment bought $10m (£6.9m) worth of airline tickets to give away to anyone who booked a five-day or more stay on the island.

"But I still don't think that tourism is nearly high enough on the UK, or any other, government's agenda," Harris said.