Take a staycation to help UK thrive after Brexit, says Prime Minister

May returns from Swiss break to urge Britons to take a holiday at home and boost tourist industry

THERESA MAY has said that Brexit offers a chance to boost the UK’s tourism industry as she encouraged Britons to go on “staycations”.

The Prime Minister today announced a £40 million fund to help Britain outcompete other major tourism destinations around the world and encourage families to holiday at home.

Mrs May had just returned from a two-week hiking holiday with her husband Philip in Switzerland, which she has previously praised as a “wonderful summer destination”.

Two thirds of the UK’s visitors come from European countries and it is hoped that Britain’s tourism industry could benefit from a weaker pound in the wake of Brexit.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport yesterday announced new measures to cut red tape for bed and breakfasts by changing licensing laws to allow them to offer a welcome drink and modifying vehicle licensing rules to permit owners to pick up visitors from train stations.

Plans have also been announced to set up new rail offers and easy-to-book rail itineraries for tourists, in an effort to encourage them to travel around the country.

A spokesman for the Government said: “Towns and cities from across England will benefit from a £40million fund to deliver new tourism outside London and ease travel around Britain, helping visitors from abroad as well as Britons holidaying at home to explore the wealth of tourism opportunities across the country.”

Mrs May added: “Tourism is vitally important to the UK and the sector goes from strength to strength.

“Our stunning scenery, centuriesold monuments and cultural traditions continue to draw visitors from both home and abroad.

“The British people’s decision to leave the European Union creates real opportunities for growth and we will work in close partnership with the tourism industry, to ensure it continues to thrive as negotiations on the UK’s exit progress.

“We are making it easier for visitors to travel beyond London and experience all of the world-class attractions the UK has to offer, to make sure the benefits of this thriving industry are felt by the many and not the few. We will make sure Britain is even more attractive, accessible and welcoming.”

The Government has announced the first grants from the £40million Discover England fund have been awarded to projects which “shine a spotlight on some of the country’s great cultural and sporting assets”, from music festivals to championship golf courses.

Karen Bradley, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “With world-class museums, fantastic heritage sites and stunning countryside the UK has a lot to offer tourists – from both home and abroad.

“I look forward to helping further strengthen tourism outside of London to ensure that growth from the sector is enjoyed right across the country.”

‘Our stunning scenery, centuries-old monuments and cultural traditions continue to draw visitors’