Call to save owners of guesthouses
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE GOVERNMENT was accused yesterday of treating the UK holiday industry with 'candy-floss complacency'.
Paul Tyler, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for tourism, called for an emergency aid package to save hotel and guesthouse owners from being forced to sell up 'at the worst possible moment in the property slump'.
Mr Tyler said that a survey carried out in his Cornwall North constituency, a 'key' tourist area, found that 59 per cent of holiday business owners were thinking of selling up.
It discovered that 48 per cent had made a loss last year, compared with 37 per cent in 1990; 73 per cent expected this season to be 'poor'; and 82 per cent expected next year to be even worse.
'This is a serious industry, with serious problems. The Government must stop treating it with candy-floss complacency,' Mr Tyler said.
The industry earned pounds 6bn from overseas tourists last year and provided work for 1.2 million people, he added. 'Further decline would fan the flames of the recession, adding to unemployment and driving Britain further into the red.'
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments