COMMENT EXTRA

As a follow-up to the industry’s letter to the Prime Minister, yesterday Heathrow issued an alarmist statement concerning the so-called ‘Green List’.The press release was coupled to a whisky still, not the usual airport or airline image.

John Holland-Kaye sought the support of two diverse leaders whose businesses have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic.

“The UK risks missing out on multi-billion-pound economic boost unless the green list is extended on 7 June,” says Heathrow.

• New CEBR research reveals that business and leisure passengers through Heathrow alone account for over £16 billion spent across the UK.
• US travellers provide the biggest boost, accounting for £3.74bn, or nearly a quarter of total spend, demonstrating the importance of restoring vital transatlantic routes.
• Research reveals prize to the UK as total visitor expenditure could increase to over £18bn by 2025 if the UK fully reopens this summer, benefitting business across the country from London to Dundee.

Jace Tyrrell, Chief Executive of New West End Company in London, said: “The streets of London are usually bustling with tourists at this time of year as they fly in not just to visit our world-famous landmarks, but to spend money in our shops, theatres, hotels and restaurants. Many of these businesses have lost out enormously in the last 15 months, impacting livelihoods across the capital, so a return of visitors this summer from overseas would be hugely welcome. We urge the Government to do all it can to enable their safe return.”

Andrew McKenzie Smith, Founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery in Newburgh, Fife, said: “Distilleries in Scotland are renowned across the world. It’s why tourists – especially from the US – have always flown in in their droves to see our craftsmen and women in action, bringing millions of pounds with them which helps support local workers, businesses and communities. However, without overseas travel, this vital source of revenue has been lost for the last year to the detriment of these very same people. It’s not just airports and airlines counting on its resumption. It’s distillers across Fife and wider Scotland like ourselves.”

For the full press release please go to:
https://mediacentre.heathrow.com/pressrelease/details/81/Corporate%20&%20operational_24/13138

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Paul Jones, St Albans

Mr Shapps, the Spanish traveller from last year, clearly does not want to be caught out. It’s Cornwall for an August Cabinet meeting, and not on video. Done

Jim Smith, Hendon

Mr Shapps, the Spanish traveller from last year, clearly does not want to be caught out. It’s Cornwall for an August Cabinet meeting, and not on video.