Image: The BHA is urging quicker government action

The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has called for the government to act quicker in its support for UK tourism, after G20 world leaders recognised the importance of the sector.

Leaders of the world's 20 leading economies recently signed a declaration that underlined the role of tourism in driving economic growth and creating new jobs for the first time.

BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim welcomed the move and called on the UK government to do more to address some of the issues currently affecting the domestic industry.

Among the issues that world leaders have pledged to work on following the signing of the declaration is the easing of visa restrictions and entry procedures for overseas tourists.

Ibrahim said: "The declaration at G20 must encourage the UK government to act more urgently to encourage the growth of UK tourism so that we can create more jobs.

"It can do this by reducing VAT on hospitality services, by easing tourist visa controls on key source markets, making a decision on airport capacity and lightening the regulatory burden.

"The government should follow world leaders and prioritise action to encourage the growth of UK tourism."

Details: www.unwto.org (UNWTO)

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