William Eichler 27 September 2016

Councils can use devolution to benefit from growth in ‘staycations’

Local authorities can use the devolution agenda to capitalise on the growing ‘staycation’ market, council chiefs say.

New research commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) revealed domestic tourism is predicted to grow 2.9% annually over the next decade - more than the overall economy (2.5%).

This follows industry figures which show there were 103m overnight trips in England last year - 11% more than in 2014 - with a total spend of £19.6bn.

The West Midlands have seen the largest increase in overnight trips (+22%), with Yorkshire (+20%), the South West (+14%) and London (+14%) following close behind.

The LGA urged the Government to maintain devolution momentum in order to make the most of the growth in vacations by British citizens within the UK, so-called ‘staycations’.

The local government representatives said councils were best placed to make decisions over transport, infrastructure, skills and business support - all central to devolution and essential to tourism.

Council chiefs welcomed the introduction last month of Whitehall’s Tourism Action Plan - a series of initiatives designed to make travel in Britain easier - describing it as ‘a step in the right direction’.

This action plan was launched alongside a £40m Discover England fund, which provides cash to projects and organisations in different geographic areas to help attract tourism outside of London.

Cllr Ian Stephens, chair of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport board, said: ‘The tourist economy is one of the UK’s fastest growing economic sectors and councils have the opportunity to align their devolved responsibilities to improve their tourism offer to best showcase their unique identity and heritage, from food and drink and natural landscape to historic buildings and traditional festivals.

‘Local areas have already capitalised on recent tourism opportunities and councils can use devolution deals to improve transport, infrastructure, skills and business support, which are crucial levers to maximise the tourist pound and economic growth.’

‘Decisions about these critical success factors for boosting tourism are best taken at the local level, which devolution deals stand to make possible through combined authorities and similar local governance arrangements,’ he added.

Cllr Stephens also pointed out the move to full localisation of business rates by 2020 means it will be important for councils to 'support and attract tourism-related businesses'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner