The recently released independent report by the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee on tourism was published on Thursday, 10 July and was highly critical of the government for failing (in the words of the BHA campaign) to 'take tourism seriously.'

The report accuses the Government of shuffling ministerial responsibility as if the industry were an 'afterthought' and with seven tourism ministers since 1997 this is hardly surprising.

More specifically the report criticises the funding cuts to VisitBritain when there is a 'strong case for increasing resources,' particularly with the 2012 Olympics in view.

The report's criticisms echo widespread industry concerns of the perceived lack of support for tourism on the part of the DCMS.

To access the full report please click here.