Giles Watling, Member of Parliament for Clacton, raised the tourism industry in the House of Commons recently.
Giles questioned Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in relation to tourism and any post-Brexit industrial strategy.
Giles asked the Minister if tourism, which is worth £127 billion and is 9% of GDP should be at the forefront of any industrial strategy. By doing this, the Government recognises the vital revenue that the tourism industry provides, not just to those in the industry across Clacton, but also across the country.
Giles said
“The tourism industry is vital to coastal constituencies like Clacton. It is this industry that provides significant employment opportunities locally. Whether that is provided by those offering overnight accommodation, days out, restaurants, seafront attractions or shops and it is important that tourism receives the recognition it deserves during any industrial strategy that may be implemented post brexit. I was delighted that the Secretary of State not only has had first hand experience of visiting this fantastic constituency but also recognises the importance of tourism to our country.”