News

Travel industry leaders have convened in London to discuss the state of tourism in and out of the UK and stress their view that the market must be supported by appropriate improvements in infrastructure.

According to the latest research from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Britain's travel industry is expected to generate over £190 billion this year and grow by 3.3 per cent between 2008 and 2017.

The industry leaders welcomed these growth expectations, but Alan Parker, chief executive of hospitality company Whitbread, warned that tourism could "drift away from the UK" if infrastructure does not keep up with expansion.

Geoff Muirhead CBE, chief executive of the Manchester Airports Group, said: "Inbound tourism is clearly good news for the British economy, while overseas travel allows UK citizens the chance for a well-earned break in a sunnier climate.

"We need to find ways of supporting both these aspects of tourism much more effectively, given their importance to the UK economy as a whole."

Geoffrey Kent, chairman of the WTTC, recommended that the government should devise a 15-year infrastructure plan, the focus of which could be provided by the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Opodo is a leading online travel company offering flights, hotels, rental cars and holidays worldwide. Search for travel deals.

© Adfero Ltd