Tories recognise tourism potential

BY his own admission, David Cameron accepts that he will have very limited room for political manoeuvre if he becomes Prime Minister. His over-riding priority will be the need to cut the national debt – a point that he reiterated when he took questions from Yorkshire Post readers this week.

The Conservative leader's reluctance to endorse any spending commitments, a traditional characteristic of pre-election hustings, reiterated the seriousness of Britain's economic plight. The country has spent beyond its means for far too long, and this has been compounded by measures to ride out the recession.

To his credit, Mr Cameron did not falter when it would have been easier – and, potentially, more advantageous – to make promises that he will be unable to honour when in office. A sense of realism does need to underpin the forthcoming election campaign.

One reason why voters are so disillusioned is that there is too much emphasis, in the political process, on partisanship rather than improving Britain's governance – and making the delivery of policy more efficient.

Tourism, and specifically its importance to the Yorkshire economy, is a case in point. Successful promotional policies attract visitors to the region, and the UK. Yet its importance has been repeatedly downplayed by the Government which has appointed a succession of low-key tourism ministers who have occupied the post for a matter of months before being shuffled sideways.

As Mr Cameron said, a more proactive ambassador for Great Britain plc can only help this forgotten sector – and probably save taxpayers money in the long run. For, if the Government understood tourism's importance, it would not be imposing a crippling tax burden on those people who rent out furnished holiday homes, and which could cost the economy 200m a year.

Thankfully Mr Cameron, and Shadow Chancellor George Osborne, recognise that this is a non-starter at a time when Ministers need to be encouraging people to holiday in the UK, and support local businesses. They are now looking at ways of reversing this tax raid, while Labour only finds itself in this predicament because of its long-held prejudices against the countryside.

Of course, the need to cut the deficit is pressing – Labour's justification for this new tax. However, it is self-defeating if homes are no longer let out, visitor numbers dwindle and rural enterprises are no longer viable. What is required is pragmatic ways to lower spending – and a government prepared to be innovative in achieving more with less money. Mr Cameron recognises this; his rivals now need to follow suit.