MPs launch inquiry into seaside tourism

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospitality and Tourism has launched a new inquiry into the tourism industry in coastal and lakeside areas. 

The inquiry aims take a holistic look at tourism and hospitality in the UK’s coasts and lakeside regions, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to examine the challenges and opportunities that face businesses, workers and local communities in these areas.

It comes as many pubs, restaurants and attractions start to reopen as lockdown restrictions start to relax.

The inquiry will consider:

• What support can be afforded to coastal and lakeside commerce and economies to optimise their capacity to drive much needed economic growth, employment and prosperity?
• What distinct concerns to costal and lakeside businesses have from other hospitality businesses?
• What support do local authorities require to promote and support tourism?
• What structural issues faced by coastal communities that inhibit tourism?
• How can demand be stimulated for coastal and lakeside tourism?
• How can tourism to these areas be grown in a sustainable manner?
• What are the recent trends in the number of sector businesses within these regions of the UK?
• What conditions in the economy does this sector need for long term recovery and growth?

The APPG will hold two roundtable sessions with businesses in July, before opening a consultation process with relevant stakeholders.

The group aims to publish its report in early September.

‘Following the success of our recent Pathways to Recovery report, the APPG will now launch an inquiry into the UK’s coastal and lakeside regions,’ said APPG chair, Steve Double.

‘The UK’s coastline plays a vital role in the economy, history and culture of our country. Our canals and waterways have been a vital part of community life for generations, while our lakeside regions provide popular tourism hotspots, areas of natural beauty and employment for thousands of people countrywide.

‘As the MP for a coastal constituency, I have seen first-hand the impact that COVID-19 has had on businesses in these regions, placing them under an unprecedented strain,’ added Mr Double.

‘The unfortunate reality is that many coastal regions had already been struggling prior to the pandemic. The APPG inquiry aims to provide a holistic examination of the challenges and opportunities that face hospitality and tourism businesses in these areas, providing government with a detailed report on how to promote and grow tourism in these areas in a sustainable way.’

For more information about the inquiry, visit the APPG page here.

Photo Credit – Stevebidmead (Pixabay)