Travelodge chief executive Guy Parsons has called on MPs representing the 50 constituencies with the largest share of tourism business in the UK to seek further support for the sector.

In a letter to the MPs, Parsons has urged them to press the government into cutting VAT on tourism firms to 5 per cent, which Travelodge believes will help create 79,000 jobs.

The budget hotel operator is also calling on the MPs to seek an amendment to the Schengen Visa programme in order to make it easier for Chinese visitors to travel to the UK.

Parsons said: "Reducing VAT to 5 per cent for tourism businesses and relaxing the Schengen Visa arrangements for Chinese tourists would send a message out that the Government is now firmly on our side."

Details: www.travelodge.co.uk