I’M ELECTED CHAIR OF APPG FOR HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM

The All-Party Parliamentary Group was reconstituted today, with me elected as its chair and Conservative MP Damian Hinds as vice-chair, at a well-attended meeting in Westminster.

Also elected as officers of the group were Caroline Voaden (Lib Dem, South Devon) and Daniel Aldridge (Lab, Weston-super-Mare).

The group acts as a vehicle for backbench Parliamentarians, from both the Houses of Commons and Lords, to influence the Government’s policy making on the key issues to hospitality and tourism, sectors which employ more than 3.5 million people and generate more than £140 billion in revenue annually.

I’m delighted to be elected into this influential position on sectors which are close to my heart and my constituency of Blackpool South.

They are the beating heart of coastal towns like Blackpool, supporting thousands of jobs, bringing in millions in revenue and helping to regenerate communities.

The cross-party support the group reinforces this positive impact and demonstrates the commitment to the sector from across Parliament.

I’m looking forward to working with the APPG to champion causes critical to hospitality and tourism, and being one their loudest advocates in Parliament.