VisitBritain must focus on maximising UK tourism

VisitBritain has admitted it must now accept its funding cuts and focus on working more closely with the Government and the private sector to ensure it maximises the UK's tourism opportunities.

There was outrage across the hospitality and tourism industry when the Government announced that the tourist board's funding would be slashed by 18% over the next three years.

But, speaking at the official opening of the British Travel Trade Fair 2008 in Birmingham, VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues said the body must move on and secure new links to ensure it is doing their best for the UK tourism trade.

"I really believe the CSR (Comprehensive Spending Review) funding cut is not where we should focus, our challenge is the bigger challenge of working together with the Government and the private sector," he said.

Tourism minister Margaret Hodge told delegates the industry should try and grow by 50% in the next decade.

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By Daniel Thomas

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