Operators and the industry in general need to constantly remind others of the contribution that the coach sector makes to the economy, writes Simon Ingham, Edwards Coaches Commercial Manager
With colleagues, I was fortunate enough to attend the Coach Tourism Association’s (CTA) Spring Networking Event and AGM held close to home in Cardiff on 11 May.
It was great to catch up with old acquaintances and long-standing partners, as well as make new and exciting contacts.
A total of 106 industry stakeholders attended the event, which was sponsored by Visit Wales and the Welsh Government, supported by Southern Wales Tourism.
CTA Chair Robert Shaw addressed participants at the AGM and took a moment to remind attendees about the importance of the coach sector. He also mentioned that, in some parts of the UK and in some sectors, there appears to be something of an “anti-coach movement”.
Along with things such as the rising cost of fuel with limited support from authorities and the UK government, this can make operators feel discriminated against.
Without doubt, the industry brings huge benefits to the UK overall. I know I will be preaching to the converted but, in expanding on some of the comments made by Robert, I have listed some facts below that could be used as a reference point should you feel the need to justify your business’s existence in any sphere, or when lobbying for various forms of support.
The coach sector is critically important to the UK economy despite often being overlooked compared with rail and aviation.
Our contribution goes far beyond passenger transport — supporting tourism, education, employment, connectivity, and regional growth. RHA recently reported that the UK coach sector contributes an estimated £14 billion annually to the UK economy.
The industry directly supports approximately 42,000 jobs across the UK, with thousands more indirectly dependent on the sector through tourism, hospitality, attractions, maintenance, fuel, and supply chains.
According to the gov.uk website, coaches contribute more than £6 billion to the UK tourism economy alone, helping sustain hotels, attractions, restaurants, and local businesses.
Research published in 2024 showed that destinations able to attract just one additional coach per day could generate up to £1 million extra annually for local economies.
Also, the sector transports 500,000–600,000 school pupils daily, making our contributions essential to education access and to supporting working families.
Furthermore, coaches provide vital resilience for the national transport network, including rail replacement services, airport transfers, event transport, and emergency transport provision.
In summary, the coach industry supports the economy in five major ways: employment and skills, tourism and leisure, education and social mobility, regional connectivity, and sustainable transport.
If there is a wrangle to secure a place in the fuel provision priority order, we should be mindful of the above and add it to our cause for supply support. That said, I’m not suggesting that we overstep the mark and expect to be prioritised ahead of critical emergency services. It’s not just for business continuity purposes but to keep the UK economy moving and afloat. We deliver vital services and our efforts and contributions should not and must not be ignored.
