Leaders of the hospitality and tourism industry were brought together on Thursday 5th June for the BHA Summit 2014 at Novotel in West London.
Guest speaker, Anthony Pender, the vice-chairman of the Perceptions Group and managing director of The Yummy Pub Company, represented the pub and bar sector during the summit and championed the progress made in attracting the stars of the future to the workforce. Anthony also recognised the hard work and effort that young people are making to achieve industry opportunities and career progression.
The formation of the ‘Tourism Council’ was announced by the Minister for Tourism, Helen Grant. The new partnership between the Government and the sector will focus on improving skills, increasing the quality and quantity of jobs available and boosting enterprise in the industry.
The Council will be made up of 22 members representing industries engaged in hospitality, entertainment, travel, transportation and accommodation. It will be co-Chaired by the Tourism Minister, the Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock and Simon Vincent, a senior industry representative from Hilton Worldwide.
“This is the first time we have had a cross-Government council looking specifically at tourism. The active involvement of both the Tourism Minister and the Minister for Skills and Enterprise means the council can focus on the key areas of skills and training and quality of service, in the first instance. Taken together, these things are central to helping deliver growth, competitiveness and innovation in our industry,” said Simon Vincent, President, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide.
Minister for Tourism, Helen Grant said: “The Government is committed to working in partnership with industry to build on the success achieved in continuing to deliver further economic benefits for the UK economy and businesses across the country.”
Skills and Enterprise Minister, Matthew Hancock said: “We must do everything we can to ensure they have the right environment to thrive and grow. This includes making sure that young people are equipped with the skills to work productively in this sector. Last year, there were over 27,000 apprentices in Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality roles and I am keen for this number to increase. This council will support the development of skills, the sharing of best practices and provide means for tourist businesses to innovate and grow.”
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