Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 1.10 shows us that public sector involvement in
UK travel and tourism occurs at three levels:
The national boards are funded mainly from central
government sources, channelled through the DCMS,
Welsh Assembly Government, Scottish Executive and
Northern Ireland Offi ce/Assembly.
1.
National - through the work of government
departments, National Tourist Boards and
government agencies;
FOCUS ON INDUSTRY
2.
Regional - activities undertaken by Regional
Development Agencies (RDAs) and Regional
Tourist Boards (RTBs);
THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(FCO)
3.
Local - through local authorities.
Tourism at national level
The purpose of the FCO is to work for UK interests
in a safe, just and prosperous world. It does this
with some 16,000 staff based in the UK and in its
overseas network of more than 200 diplomatic
offi ces. As part of its service to UK citizens, the FCO
offers advice to travellers. This can be before they
start their journey, while in a destination or on their
return home. The FCO's website has very detailed,
up-to-date information on known risks to visitors in
countries around the world. It offers advice on such
matters as terrorist threats, travel health, child sex
tourism and sustainable tourism.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
is responsible for UK tourism policy. It sets the agenda
for tourism, supports the sector to improve what it
has to offer, provides funding and helps to promote a
positive image of Britain abroad.
Weblink
Check out this website for more
information on the work of DCMS in UK
tourism.
www.culture.gov.uk
Other government departments have an indirect
involvement with aspects of tourism, e.g. the
Department for Transport (DfT), Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and the
Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce (FCO).
Weblink
Check out this website for more
information on the Foreign and
Commonwealth Offi ce and its travel and
tourism support activities.
www.fco.gov.uk
National Tourist Boards
The UK has four National Tourist Boards:
•
VisitBritain - responsible for promoting the whole of
Activity 1.9
Britain abroad and England to the British;
•
Visit Wales - concerned with improving the
Choose one of the four National Tourist Boards and
carry out some research to fi nd out its roles and
responsibilities, structure, funding sources and the
range of products and services it offers. Explain how
the tourist board works with other travel and tourism
component industries when carrying out its work.
economic and social prosperity of Wales through
effective marketing and development of tourism;
•
Visit Scotland - exists to support the development
of the tourism sector in Scotland and to market
Scotland as a quality destination;
This activity is designed to provide evidence for P2 and
M1.
•
Northern Ireland Tourist Board - responsible for
the development, promotion and marketing of
Northern Ireland as a tourist destination.
