Tourism Industry
Myriad businesses depend in whole or part on tourism, not just hotels and accommodation providers but restaurants, shops, theatres, transport businesses and a range of visitor attractions from art galleries to zoos.
The impact of all this activity is enormous - both on individual communities and on national self-image. It accounts for a significant part of all UK economic activity. Yet, it is still in some ways a hidden industry. Although they may be substantially dependent on income from tourists, a pub landlord, a coach operator, a shop assistant may not see themselves as anything to do with the tourist industry at all.
Part of the Department's purpose is to help these diverse businesses recognise their common interest in working together. Latest figures show that 2.1 million people are directly employed in tourism - 7% of all people in employment in Great Britain.
Our tourism industry consists of some 127,000 businesses, 80% of which have a turnover of less than £250,000 per annum.
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