At the first meeting of the reconstituted Tourism Industry Council last week, DCMS provided a short presentation on their thinking regarding the development of a Tourism Recovery Plan. As part of this, DCMS are asking for feedback on the following questions:

• • How do we ensure the UK most benefits from pent-up demand once domestic and international travel resumes?
  • The fiscal position: CJRS and reduced VAT have been extended until March, based on the assumptions around reopening, where does that leave a gap in support? When will the sector be able to return to profit?
  • What non-fiscal measures would make the biggest difference in both phases of recovery planning – e.g. domestic regulatory changes?
  • If the return to international travel is phased:
    • which countries should be prioritised for bilateral corridors;
    • which groups should be prioritised – business/ friends & relatives/ leisure – Europe/ worldwide?
  • What action should we be taking now to transform the way the tourism sector works in the UK in the longer term?

The Tourism Alliance is preparing a response and if you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to CTA to pass on.