The Liberal Democrats party has revealed plans to end Labour’s “neglect” of tourism in the UK.

The Lib Dems claim that Britain’s share of the global tourism market has fallen by 16 per cent over the last 20 years, with an annual tourism deficit of £18bn.

The proposals – which include forming an English Tourist Board and a permanent Cabinet sub-committee on tourism – were unveiled at the party’s autumn conference on Monday.

Liberal Democrat shadow culture, media and sport secretary, Don Foster, said: “Labour has neglected tourism in this country for far too long. They’ve made cuts to VisitBritain’s budget, hiked the price of visas, and repeatedly delayed the Olympic tourism plan.

“By investing in public transport, strengthening the role of tourism within government, and improving energy efficiency, we can develop a world-class tourism industry in this country.” Details: www.libdems.org.uk