Tourism bodies welcome Brexit paper "with caution"

The UK travel industry has offered a "cautious welcome" to the government’s Brexit white paper, after the document acknowledged some of the sector's key concerns – such as worries over barriers being created for people visiting the UK from EU.

Following the publishing of the Brexit plans, UKinbound’s chair Mark McVay said that the tourism body welcomed the government’s proposals for the new relationship with the EU, which "recognises and supports the significant contribution that tourism makes to the UK economy".

"We have consistently argued that frictionless arrangements before, during and at arrival at the UK’s borders are vital to an industry which in 2017 brought in an estimated £25bn to the UK economy and £10bn from EU tourism alone," said McVay.

"While we are pleased that the government has listened to our concerns, there remains a lot of work to be done on this and other outstanding issues. We will continue to make the case that it is vital that our future relationship with the EU protects the tourism industry in the UK."

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), added: “The white paper provides some much-needed clarity on the government’s thinking on the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

“It’s good to see the government recognise many of the main priorities ABTA has been highlighting for the industry and travelling public – such as maintaining open skies access, remaining part of the European Aviation Safety Agency, ensuring visa-free travel, and keeping the European Health Insurance Card system.

"ABTA will continue to engage proactively, and to call for a pragmatic approach to the negotiations from both sides – seeking a deal that prioritises the needs of the travelling public and the travel industry."