Adam Dance MP meets with South West hoteliers to discuss challenges in leisure and tourism industry

Released On 28th Nov 2024

Adam Dance MP met with the South West Hotelier Group (SWHG) at Lanes Hotel in West Coker to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the leisure and tourism sector in the region.

The group, a collective of privately owned small to medium-sized hotels across the South West, shared their insights on innovative ways to promote the area and attract both domestic and international visitors.

During the meeting, hotel owners emphasised the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, including local councils, tourism organisations, and MPs, to highlight the unique appeal of the South West beyond the traditional focus on Devon and Cornwall. The discussion also turned to the Chancellor’s recent Budget, which the hoteliers warned could have severe consequences for the industry. They highlighted the potential for business closures, job losses, and the cancellation of vital investment and capital expenditure projects as rising costs and economic pressures take their toll.

Adam Dance MP said: “The leisure and tourism industry is the backbone of our local economy, supporting jobs, businesses, and communities across Yeovil and South Somerset. It’s clear from today’s discussions that hotel owners are facing enormous challenges, but they are also full of innovative ideas for promoting the South West and driving tourism.

“I am committed to working with representatives from the sector to ensure their voices are heard in Parliament, and I’m happy to announce that I will be putting in my application to join the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism. We must take action to address the impact of rising costs and create the conditions for businesses to thrive.”

Shaun Whitehouse, Director at the Lanes Hotel added: “On behalf of SWHG, I would like to thank Adam for his time. It is clear that he understands the very real challenges facing hospitality. Despite signicant head winds, we are a resilient breed and are very focused on nding positive initiatives to grow tourism in the South Somerset/Dorset areas. We can only achieve this with a buy in from all stakeholders.”

Adam Dance MP will continue to work closely with the South West Hotelier Group and other local stakeholders to champion the region’s leisure and tourism industry and secure the support it needs to navigate the current economic climate.