The majority of bosses at some of the UK’s leading hospitality companies will vote to stay in the EU, according to a study published by the British Hospitality Association and Heidrick & Struggles.
The survey of 41 leaders from firms which included large hotel chains said being part of the EU has “kept the sector going” with migrant labour “critical” to the industry.
It showed that 74 per cent back staying in the union with 18 per cent voting out and 8 per cent undecided.
The European president of one global brand told the BHA that “anything other than staying in works against our business...but we have to [be] more ambitious for the UK’s place in the world”.
The 41 respondents are responsible for a collective £30 billion in sales.
BHA CEO Ufi Ibrahim said: "The business leaders interviewed in this report represent a very important voice. They feel that the economic recovery is fragile and consumer confidence easily knocked. This, together with the uncertainty and lack of clarity in the referendum debate, is already having a detrimental effect on the industry.
“They also share a feeling of frustration that government is still out of touch and is failing the industry, due to an apparent lack of interest when it comes to policy development for tourism and hospitality."
The BHA report follows a survey last week which showed 49 per cent of workers in the UK hospitality industry are backing Brexit with 43 per cent voting to remain.
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