CLIA UK boss Andy Harmer has joined the Government’s new Visitor Economy Advisory Council, which will help deliver a long-term national strategy for tourism by this autumn.
The 21-strong council also includes Hays Chair Dame Irene Hays, British Airways Chair and CEO Sean Doyle, UKInbound CEO Joss Croft, UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls and Manchester Airports Group CEO Ken O’Toole.
The remaining members have been drawn from across the visitor economy, including attractions, hospitality, heritage, creative industries, transport and businesses marketed to inbound, outbound and domestic visitors.
“I am delighted that the Government has recognised that the cruise sector is an integral part of the UK tourism offer, playing a unique role in inward, outbound, and domestic tourism,” said Andy Harmer.
“I look forward to sharing our expertise in relation to tourism planning, responsible tourism, and innovation within the sector, as well as the commitment of the UK’s amazing travel agent community.
“A thriving cruise sector can contribute significantly towards the Government’s aims of achieving economic growth through tourism.”
CLIA said having a representative on the advisory body will enable the Government to take into account the more than two million British holidaymakers who take a cruise each year, as well as the role that the cruise industry plays bringing visitors to some of the more remote coastal communities around the UK.
The Council, chaired by Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant and IHG Hotels & Resorts MD for Europe Karin Sheppard, will look at all aspects of tourism planning and strategy, covering inbound, outbound and domestic tourism.
