The department for media, culture and sport has confirmed VisitBritain’s funding for 2015/16 will fall to only under £20 million – a discount of 5 per cent at the 2014/15 budget.
However, the small cut have been welcomed by Christopher Rodrigues, chairman, VisitBritain, within the context of swingeing cuts seen elsewhere in government.
He said: “This is a great result for VisitBritain and clear evidence of ministers’ commitment to the tourism industry.
“This government understands the significance of tourism as one of the vital country’s leading export industries and a strong engine of job creation.
“We appreciate the efforts of tourism minister Hugh Robertson and secretary of state for media, culture and sport Maria Miller in batting for us through a difficult spending round.”
VisitEngland
At the identical time, VisitEngland has confirmed it’s going to see no cut in its core grant-in-aid.
“We are pleased and reassured by this clear commitment from government to tourism in England,” said VisitEngland chairman Lady Cobham.
“We recognise the general public purse is under ever increasing pressure so we’re delighted that tourism’s significant contribution to the economy was recognised.
“Tourism in England is worth £97 billion however, there’s still great potential for further growth around the country.”