Liberal Democrats take tourism campaign to Downing Street

The Liberal Democrats took their campaign calling on the British government to take tourism seriously to 10 Downing Street on Wednesday (25 March), tying in with British Tourism Week.

The Liberal Democrats called on the Government to reverse the funding cuts to tourist body VisitBritain, which has seen its marketing budget slashed by some £15m between 2003 and 2010.

Overseas residents visiting the UK fell 12% year-on-year for the three months of October to December 2008, despite the weakness of the pound.

Richard Younger Ross MP, Liberal Democrat spokesman for Culture, Arts and Heritage, said: "British tourism can thrive only if the Government are prepared to invest more money in the industry and adopt a sound marketing strategy to publicise Britain's many attractions."

Don Foster, Liberal Democrat tourism spokesman added that thousands of jobs could be protected and new ones created during the recession, if cuts in funding for VisitBritain were reversed and VAT on accommodation and entrance to tourist attractions reduced.

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By Chris Druce

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