An independent report commissioned by the government has outlined recommendations for "widespread deregulation" in a number of areas across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

British Hospitality Association (BHA) chair Alan Parker led a taskforce responsible for the Smart Regulation and Economic Growth - Seizing the Tourism Opportunity study.

The report was commissioned by tourism minister John Penrose and recommendations deal with issues such as the recognition of tourism in planning and the current UK visa regime.

Other issues covered by the research include health and safety regulations; employment law; the sale of travel insurance; and a shake-up of the Licensing Act.

Recommendations will now be considered across government in order to help the industries contribute to the UK's economic growth, with 500,000 jobs expected to be created by 2020.

Parker said: "There is a huge opportunity that everyone in the industry wants to be part of. Cutting red tape is one easy thing that the government can do to help bring this growth about.

"Bold action from the top can save businesses time and money which, for many of the small and medium size companies in our sector, can represent a make or break solution."

Penrose added: "Our task in government now is to look closely at what [the report] has suggested and see what's feasible and what's not."

Details: www.culture.gov.uk

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