Pubs urged to put quality top of agenda in bid for tourism

The UK hospitality industry has been called on to raise its game to claim its rightful share of world tourism.

Launching a new long-term initiative to improve standards in pubs and other destinations, tourism minister Kim Howells said businesses must "make sure quality is at the top of the agenda".

"We have got some great places but there is so much more we can do. We are in the middle of troubled times and if I could wish for anything it is that the tourist industry attracts British people to British holidays. We are a long way off that.

"What we have got to do is improve quality through efficiency and by working cleverer. Small changes make big improvements."

Dr Howells was speaking at the conclusion of an 18-month, £500,000 research project to identify best practice across the industry.

Backed by the Best Practice Forum, which is led by the British Hospitality Association, the University of Surrey has produced in-depth reports on 89 exceptionally successful hospitality businesses to find out what they are doing right.

Under the banner Profit Through Productivity the lessons will be spread around the industry with the aim of supporting 4,250 businesses by 2005. Licensees who want to develop their business will be able to join Best Practice Clubs, attend Master Class Seminars and get help from business toolkits.