Pre-pandemic the hospitality sector created £130Bn in economic activity, generated £39Bn in tax and represented 10% of UK employment. The UKHospitality Summer Conference, which takes place on 7 June, will explore how the sector will deliver solutions to the issues outlined in the report.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Despite more than two years of setbacks, the sector is ready to get back on track and lead the way towards sustainable recovery and resilience. Hospitality is the great leveller and we are working closely with Government to deliver on its Levelling Up agenda, unlocking growth and opportunity in local economies across the country.
“Hospitality provides the solution to levelling up every community in the country and offers a vast range of opportunities, from entry level jobs to highly skilled ones. The inclusive nature of the sector provides opportunities for individuals across the ages, guided by a truly team spirited ethos in every venue.”
The report identifies the six areas in which the sector can deliver the greatest impact:
- Local leadership – UKHospitality will support local government to ensure that hospitality businesses are able to thrive.
- Skills – UKHospitality will better promote hospitality as an attractive career of choice.
- Pride in place – Demonstrating how hospitality venues are at the core of every local community.
- Health & wellbeing – Showcasing the sector’s role as complementary to a healthy lifestyle.
- Digital connectivity – Ensuring that all venues are able to offer consumers access to high-speed data.
- Research & development – Playing a leading role in the roll-out of research and development across the sector.