Ukevents has joined forces with other organisations within the Tourism Alliance to express deep concern about the recent decision to significantly cut the significant funding of its key partner Visitbritain.
The decision, which cut 41% funding compared to last year, poses a major threat to the critical work Visitbritain has carried out in promoting the UK as a top destination for tourism and events.
With the recently launched “UK-UK Starring” campaign and fantastic events shaping future activities, Visitbritain’s initiative has helped to attract international visitors.
Fund cuts threaten to derail these efforts and impact the UK’s ability to compete with other countries for valuable inbound tourism.
The UK events industry has donated £61.6 billion to the UK economy (UK Event Report 2024) and has made significant profits from the promotional activities and support provided by Visitbritain.
This includes a highly successful and productive business event growth program.
Funding cuts not only impact tourism marketing, but also puts local gateway activities at risk, which have historically benefited from heavy funding.
Ukevents is urging the government to align its actions with its stated ambitions to grow inbound tourism to 550 million visits by 2030.
Ukevents Chairman Glenn Bowdin said: “Visitbritain plays a key role in supporting UK events and the wider tourism industry. Amazing funding cuts undermine efforts to showcase UK diverse and vibrant events on the global stage and attract major business events to the UK.
Bowdin continues. “The UK events industry is ready to support the government’s economic growth mission, but consistent and appropriate funding is needed to attract international visitors and stay competitive. The amazing programme committee will rethink funding cuts and encourage them to work with the industry to work together to ensure sustainable growth.”
Beam Chairman Louisa Watson commented: “Biem Board is deeply concerned about its decision to cut the funding of Visitbritain’s great program by 41%. This is a blow to global competitiveness as a destination. Action.”
Beam, Executive Committee member, Ukevents Vice Chair David Tremmil said: “As someone who also serves on the executive committee of our sister organization, I have seen how the industry is concerned. We encourage governments to work together to ensure Visitbritain is properly resourced to promote the UK at the global stage.”
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