UKinbound backs staying in the EU

Staying in the EU would be important to Britain's travel and tourism industry, according to UKinbound.

The association has revealed that 82% of its 350 members believe that remaining in the EU would benefit their business.

Chairman Mark McVay said: "Our member survey findings highlight overwhelming support for Britain to remain in the EU. This shouldn't come as a surprise as the EU is an extremely important source market for tourism.

"It is important to our country's economy that we make it as easy as possible for people to travel here, not isolate ourselves from the market which collectively brought two-thirds of our visitors in 2015."

The announcement was made at UKinbound's Annual Convention (10-12 February) held at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort in Scotland.

It followed the Prime Minister's recent request for the business community to share its views on EU membership.

Overseas visitor spending in the UK contributed £22b last year. Each inbound visitor subsidised an additional £630 in export earnings, giving £216 to the Exchequer. UKinbound said these statistics highlighted the pivotal role inbound tourism plays within the economy.

"They bring much needed revenue to the UK, creating valuable jobs for the UK economy. We need to continue to do all we can to attract more visitors to the UK - and saying ‘yes' to staying in the EU sends a clear message that we are open for business."

UKinbound questions wisdom of increasing cost of tourism visas >>UKinbound and Tourism Alliance welcome chancellor's £40m industry fund >>UKinbound urges government not to cut tourist board spending >>Are you in search of something new? See all the current leisure vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>

Latest video from The Caterer