Abta has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement that £15.6 billion will be invested in local transport projects in England over the next five years.
The UK government said the package would be the biggest-ever investment in buses, trams and local trains in city areas outside London and the southeast.
Luke Petherbridge, director of public affairs at Abta, described the announcement as “extremely welcome news for the UK travel and tourism industry”.
Projects covered by the funding include West Yorkshire Mass Transit, an extension of the metro system in Birmingham and Metrolink extensions in Greater Manchester.
Petherbridge said: “Abta has been asking for investment in the UK’s travel infrastructure for a number of years. Modern transport systems are integral to improving passenger journeys to airports and ports, and our sector’s ambitions to support the government’s drive for economic growth.
“Good connectivity across the whole of the UK benefits all parts of the tourism industry, and new or expanded capacity will help outbound, inbound and domestic travel to thrive and develop, providing much needed jobs and tax revenue.”
The areas receiving funding are the West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, the North East, the West of England, Tees Valley and the East Midlands.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the investment was an attempt to end “growth created in too few places” and wide gaps between different areas.
The funding is part of the Spending Review, which will take place next week.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Today marks a watershed moment on our journey to improving transport across the north and Midlands – opening up access to jobs, growing the economy and driving up quality of life as we deliver our ‘Plan for Change’.
“For too long, people in the north and Midlands have been locked out of the investment they deserve.
“With £15.6 billion of government investment, we’re giving local leaders the means to drive cities, towns and communities forward, investing in Britain’s renewal so you and your family are better off.”
UKinbound chief executive Joss Croft said: “We welcome the government’s commitment to invest in regional transport infrastructure, which will give international visitors greater opportunity to experience even more of England.
“Connectivity removes barriers and allows local communities and businesses to benefit from the economic boost that tourism brings.”
