THE TOURISM industry is concerned to learn that the government has cut VisitBritain funding by 18 per cent over the next three years.

Tourism Alliance chairman Ros Prichard says: “This cut in funding means that, in real terms, the government will have reduced VisitBritain’s funding by around 50 per cent between 1997 and 2011. To do this to a successful organisation that has generated around £10billion for the UK economy and £2billion for the Exchequer over the past 10 years and supports over 23,000 jobs across the country makes no sense whatsoever.

“To do it in the lead-up to the Olympics when the government’s own research shows that there is the potential to generate an additional £2.1billion in tourism expenditure for the UK economy borders on sheer madness,” adds Prichard.

The problems caused by cutting VisitBritain's budget at such a crucial time for tourism development will be compounded by the lack of joined-up thinking across Government in the Comprehensive Spending Review whereby tourism spending at the local and regional levels also stand to be reduced over the next three years.

www.tourismalliance.com

THE CPT has welcomed the government’s plans that motorists will soon be allowed to drive on the hard shoulder of motorways during peak periods, following the recent announcement by transport secretary, Ruth Kelly.

The Confederation of Passenger Transport is looking for the scheme to be rolled out more widely across the UK’s motorway network as soon as practical. The CPT is also urging the government to increase the provision of active traffic management measures, such as High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (HOVL).

HOVL pilot schemes have had a positive impact on traffic congestion, particularly where coaches and buses have been involved. In this regard the CPT supports the Highways Agency view that the coach is an integral part of any HOVL Scheme that may be implemented on the M1.

CPT chief executive Simon Posner says: “Any road management measures taken to reduce congestion, journey times and from an industry perspective, punctuality, must be applauded. Where coaches and buses have been permitted to use the hard shoulder on the M42 in West Midlands and high occupancy vehicle lanes, journey times have decreased and vehicles’ speeds and accident numbers have reduced.

“The industry looks forward to playing a continued role in the implementation of all road management measures. Coaches and buses alleviate congestion by keeping traffic levels down and ultimately allowing traffic to flow. Coaches are part of the solution, not the problem.” The use of the hard shoulder as an extra lane trialled on the M42 in West Midlands has received positive feedback.

www.cpt-uk.org

THE CITY of Chester has received this year’s International Road Transport Union’s (IRU) City award. The accolade recognises cities which implement policies that favour coach tourism by investing in coach facilities and access, and was presented to the mayor of Chester Jim Latham at Busworld, Kortrijk in Belgium last month.

On presenting the award, president of the IRU passenger transport council, Francesco Pacifico said: “This award acknowledges Chester’s long term commitment to provide an efficient and business-friendly strategy, which should serve as a model for other major tourist destinations around the globe.”

Chester’s coach policy has been developed in line with the English Historic Towns Forum’s Code of Practice for coach based tourism. This was created with co-operation from the CPT in 2002.

CPT coaching consultant Bob Pilbeam adds: “We are delighted that the efforts and investment of Chester have been recognised by this award. Chester are also holders of our [CPT] Coach Friendly Local Authorities Certificate, and along with Rochester are the only city to boast both awards.

“As a result of their investment, Rochester has seen coach tourist numbers increase by 15 per cent with many more overseas visitors. The benefits to operators, local business and tourists are clear for all to see,” adds Pilbeam.

www.iru.org