Coach friendly policies are essential for restarting domestic tourism, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has told a government-commissioned independent review of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs).
The review is being led by Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board Nick de Bois. It closed to submissions on 4 May. Mr de Bois is examining how DMOs across England are funded and structured and how they perform their roles to establish whether there may be a more efficient and effective model for supporting tourism at a regional level, and if so, what that model may be.
CPT says that coach friendly policies “must be implemented” at destinations to encourage people back to the mode and to enable coaches to deliver visitors. Policy Manager Rebecca Kite adds that such coach travel is “frequently hampered by poor access and a lack of appropriate facilities.”
In its submission, CPT calls for consideration to be given to various measures that would ensure access and facilities for coaches, their passengers and their drivers.
Adds Ms Kite: “The inclusion of coach friendly policies in the independent review of DMOs as well as in any future advice offered to government is crucial. Going forwards, coaches will be vital for kickstarting tourism. We know that tourist destinations that prioritise coach travel see increased footfall from visitors travelling by coach, which boosts the local economy and reduces the number of cars on our roads.”
Mr de Bois will report his findings to Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden.
Download CPT’s full response to the review here.
