LOBBYING 

The South West Tourism Alliance’s (SWTA) primary function is to lobby in support of the visitor economy in the South West of England. We have identified several major areas where the Government could significantly improve the business climate for all businesses in the South West, not just tourism businesses, therefore boosting the regional economy still further.

The South West Tourism Alliance works over 100 of the top industry groups in the region, from leading industry names, to beacon tourism businesses, as well as including supporting companies and Public sector organisations within the South West Visitor Economy. A true mix of the public and private sector.

We lobby for vital improvements to the region in order for all businesses to prosper and grow. Tourism creates more jobs more quickly than another business sector, and nowhere is this more vital than in the South West where tourism is the lead industry.

Our Key asks from the new Government are as follows:

• Post two disastrous Budgets for wider Hospitality and the massive increases in Business Rates bills across the sector, many of which will be business ending, the Government must do what you have offered for Pubs for all affected hospitality businesses. A complete reform of Business Rates for our sector is now critical.
• It is essential that more Government support is provided to promote domestic tourism, encouraging both domestic and international visitors to enjoy a Great British Holiday. This would support both business and the exchequer with increased tax receipts.
• Take note and consider UK Hospitality’s #TaxedOut Campaign
• Reduce the level of Tourism VAT to boost the sector and get the country out to our pubs, restaurants, visitor attractions and tourist accommodation
• Implement a Statutory Register, which includes safe and legal compliance. for the short term letting sector.
• Provide clarity and support for the LVEP’s (Local Visitor Economy Partnerships) as proposed by the De Bois Review, DCMS and Visit England.
• Work with the sector to improve road and trail links, making the A303/A30 London to Cornwall Expressway fit for purpose. Provide resilience on our train lines through Somerset and along the Devon Coast.

We meet with Government Departments, MPs, Officials and Councillors regularly and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the new Government on the above. We have an excellent working relationship with Visit England and the South West Business Council.

SWTA is also a Member of the Tourism Alliance, of which Alistair Handyside, the Chairman of SWTA is also a Council Member. The Tourism Alliance lobbies Government on national issues affecting tourism businesses.

We are also Members of the Peninsula Rail Task Force, which is focused on securing improvements to the rail structure in the South West.

We attend a large number of meetings during the year to lobby on the above list and have gained a strong reputation for being focused and consistent in our approach.  We lobby at the highest levels possible and frequently meet with officials, Ministers and Visit England/Visit Britain.  Feedback on these meetings is published via newsletters and our Twitter account.