VisitBritain describes 5% budget cut for 2014/15 as "a good result"
VisitBritain has described the 5 per cent budget cut of £20m it faces as a result of the budget reduction from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport as “a good result”.
In response to the budget reduction as a result of the 2013 spending review, which will be enforced during its 2014/14 budget, chairman of VisitBritain Christopher Rodrigues said: "This is a good result for VisitBritain and clear evidence of ministers' commitment to the tourism industry. This government understands the importance of tourism as one of the country’s leading export industries and a powerful engine of job creation. We appreciate the efforts of Hugh Robertson and Maria Miller in batting for us through a tough spending round."
He continued: "VisitBritain is working hard to ensure Britain benefits from the unprecedented image boost of 2012. Most of our marketing is now match-funded by industry partners including British Airways, Easyjet, Expedia, P&O and Emirates. This extends the impact of our overseas marketing programmes which help bring 31 million visitors to the country and earn our nation £18.6bn in foreign exchange."
He highlighted that the organisation was also a part of the government’s GREAT Campaign, which would provide it with £12m in tourism marketing at overseas markets.
“We know that there is enthusiasm and commitment right across government for this campaign," he added. "It delivers an excellent return on investment and we have every expectation that it will continue to be funded through to 2016."
It had been reported in recent weeks that the organisation would face cuts of around 12 per cent.
Earlier this week, Joss Croft, marketing manager for VisitBritain discussed the impact that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games would have on UK tourism and plans for the event while speaking at The Drum Live.