Responding to the outcome of the 2013 Spending Review, Christopher Rodrigues, Chairman of VisitBritain said:
“Today’s announcement by DCMS has confirmed VisitBritain’s funding for 2015/16 at just under £20 million – a reduction of 5% on our 2014/15 budget. This is a good result for VisitBritain and clear evidence of Ministers’ commitment to the tourism industry. This Government understands the importance of tourism as one of the country’s leading export industries and a powerful engine of job creation. We appreciate the efforts of Hugh Robertson and Maria Miller in batting for us through a tough spending round.
“VisitBritain is working hard to ensure Britain benefits from the unprecedented image boost of 2012. Most of our marketing is now match-funded by industry partners including British Airways, easyJet, Expedia, P&O and Emirates. This extends the impact of our overseas marketing programmes which help bring 31 million visitors to the country and earn our nation £18.6 billion in foreign exchange.
“VisitBritain is also a partner in the cross-Government GREAT campaign with the FCO and UKTI. This year, the campaign will provide us with an additional £12 million for tourism marketing in priority overseas markets. We know that there is enthusiasm and commitment right across Government for this campaign. It delivers an excellent return on investment and we have every expectation that it will continue to be funded through to 2016.”
