UKinbound has called upon the Government to support a proposal that would enable the UK to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the potentially lucrative Chinese outbound market…
UKinbound has called upon the Government to support a proposal that would enable the UK to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the potentially lucrative Chinese outbound market.
The UK gained Approved Destination Status (ADS) with China earlier this year and the agreement is scheduled to be implemented on 1 July 2005, enabling groups of Chinese nationals to travel to the UK for leisure purposes for the first time. UKinbound has been working closely with VisitBritain and the industry to prepare for this new challenge but there are several obstacles to successfully penetrating this market that can only be removed by Government.
Letters have been sent to The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer and James Purnell MP, the newly appointed Minister for Tourism and Media, outlining specific measures to reduce the cost of ADS visas, develop co-operation with the Irish Government on ADS issues and create a dedicated development fund to promote the UK in China and assist tourism SMEs who wish to operate in this market. This costed proposal provides a strong case for a small, fixed cost, low risk Government investment which, if adopted, would create up to 200 hundred new jobs, secure up to a thousand existing jobs and generate significant export earnings in a short space of time.
The proposal has broad industry backing with VisitBritain, VisitScotland, Wales Tourist Board, Tourism Ireland and the Tourism Alliance all pledging their support.
UKinbound Chief Executive, Stephen Dowd, said: This is a realistic proposal that will generate export earnings and increase tax revenues for years to come. It will be warmly welcomed by the tourism industry and would clearly demonstrate that Government can provide practical support for an industry that has felt neglected by it for years.
The UK faces stiff competition for China`s outbound tourism business and without significant investment to deliver the right messages to the Chinese people we will miss this unique opportunity to secure a share of a rapidly growing market that would create a substantial revenue stream for many years to come. UKinbound believes that since the Schengen countries were granted ADS nearly two years ago, both France and Germany have invested more promoting their destinations in China than the whole of VisitBritain`s current annual budget.
Whilst waiting for the Government`s response, UKinbound remains proactive in seeking opportunities for its members in this important market and is currently organising a group to exhibit at the China International Travel Mart in Kunming from 24 – 27 November 2005.
The next three years will decide whether the UK becomes the destination of choice for this market states Stephen Dowd. If we miss this window of opportunity we will still get some tourism business from China but we will be also-rans behind those nations who understand and appreciate its potential and have invested accordingly.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
