Craig welcomes new support for tourism businesses in Thanet

South Thanet MP, Craig Mackinlay, has welcomed the launch of the new Tourism Sector Deal, which will benefit the 960 tourism-related businesses across Thanet.

The tourism, hospitality and experience industries play a vital role in boosting the Isle’s economy. These businesses will now be able to access a new tourism data hub, enabling them to offer an even better service for their visitors.

The Deal – part of the Conservative Government’s modern Industrial Strategy – will help deliver 10,000 new apprenticeships, getting more people involved with the sector and ensuring it continues to go from strength to strength in the future.

The tourism sector is worth £68 billion every year to the UK economy, and employs 1.6 million people across the country. As the UK leaves the EU, the Government are determined to support the industry and help it to grow. By 2025, there will be 9 million additional visits from people overseas to the UK.

Under the new deal, more than 10,000 people who work in the tourism industry will also benefit from new mentorship schemes, while the Government are providing a further £250,000 to improve broadband connectivity in a number of conference centres across the country.

Commenting, Craig Mackinlay MP said:

“Tourism is a hugely important industry for towns in Thanet, and I am delighted that the 960 tourism-related businesses on our Isle will now be able to receive additional support, through our modern Industrial Strategy.

“I hope that they are able to use the opportunities of the Sector Deal to attract even more people to the local area, creating more good jobs for the people who live here.

“I’m proud that so many people want to visit towns like Cliftonville, Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Sandwich in my constituency every year, and hope that this deal will help us see even higher visitor numbers.”

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