Travel and tourism leaders gathered on Tuesday at the new Hilton hotel near Canary Wharf in London, to discuss the need for better UK infrastructure.
Discussions were based on the forecasted growth from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Keynote speaker, Oxford Economics managing director Adrian Cooper, deployed some interesting statistics: ”The air transport industry alone contributed ”11.4bn to GPD in 2004 and employed 186,000 [people], while 55% by value of the UK”s manufactured exports to countries outside the EU are transported by air. Three quarters of all international visitors arrive at British airports, the balance by sea or Eurotunnel.”
In terms of travel and tourism, the economy is expected to generate more than ”190bn in 2007, growing faster than the current rate of inflation at 3.3% between 2008 and 2017.
Despite this positive growth, industry leaders raised their concerns about continued inaction to address deepening infrastructure constraints, which are jeopardizing economic prospects and seriously affecting the experience of millions of travellers from across the world. Airports came in for particular criticism.
However, Geoff Muirhead, the vastly experienced CEO of the Manchester Airport Group (Manchester, East Midlands, Bournemouth and Humberside airports), vigorously defended his operations:
”Our four airports generate more than ”3bn for UK plc, and support thousands of travel & tourism jobs. Inbound tourism is clearly good news for the British economy, while overseas travel allows UK citizens the chance for a well earned break in a sunnier climate,” he said.
WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten warned that the UK government must react now to maintain the country”s strong economic position: ”The current focus is on climate change and this industry cannot be demonised as the cause. It is quite simple ” efficient infrastructure and less congestion will have a positive impact on the environment.”
WTTC chairman Geoffrey Kent (travel organisers, Abercrombie & Kent) concluded: ”The government must put in place a long term infrastructure plan with at least a 15-year horizon. The 2012 Olympic Games will provide the platform, focus and budget for this long-term plan, which will drive forecasted tourism demand.”