Future of UK tourism

I went to dinner last night at the National Trust's HQ to discuss the future of tourism with their boss and with senior folk at Visit Britain. Apparently, Visit Britain is conducting a wide-ranging review of tourism's future. We were an eclectic group of tourism experts, gathered for our range of views. It was an interesting and unusual gathering; full marks to the National Trust and to Visit Britain for making it happen.

What did happen? Well, there was general agreement that tourism needed to face up to the vast challenges of climate change and Peak Oil; that distinctiveness of place is one of Britain's greatest strengths; that we need to encourage the British to explore their own country more. (Our new Go Slow England is obviously well-timed). There was much talk of sustainability, much dismay over the creeping 'cloning' of Britain's towns and villages and hotels.

Needless to say, I urged a focus on variety, less regulation that might drive out small B&Bs. It was good to be heard, and there is hope that food, agriculture and our regional variety will become more and more of a focus for policy-makers. But the background is not encouraging: 50% of visitors stay in London, there is a £20billion tourism deficit (we spend more abroad than we earn through tourists coming here), and - apparently - we are not widely seen as lovely hosts.

Special Places owners: keep up the good work!