With the current boom in UK inbound tourism demonstrating continuous year on year growth, the need for increased airport capacity to accommodate the growing visitor figures is pressing.
In response to signals that a final decision on airport expansion will not be made until at least next year in 2016, UKinbound is calling upon the Government to act quickly over the proposed third runway at Heathrow airport, as recommended as part of the Davies Commission.
With the current boom in UK inbound tourism demonstrating continuous year on year growth, the need for increased airport capacity to accommodate the growing visitor figures is pressing.
UKinbound’s Chief Executive Officer, Deirdre Wells OBE commented: “At UKinbound we are extremely concerned at the Government’s decision to further delay their response to the Davies Commission. Inbound visitors to the UK brought £22bn to our economy last year and over 70% of them came by air. Our airport capacity is at breaking point, restricting further growth for this important industry. We need the Government to show leadership and make a decision by the end of 2015 as originally promised.”
The expansion of Heathrow Airport reinforces the key recommendations of UKinbound’s #TourismABC campaign which was launched to prompt greater consideration from the Government for this highly valuable industry.
Wells commented further: “Not only is tourism the UK’s third biggest employer, it is also the 7th highest export earner for the UK, therefore we believe that an investment in our international and domestic connectivity is fundamental to securing long-term economic growth and employment.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.