LONDON, September 11 /PRNewswire/ --

- Travel & Tourism Leaders Convened Today to Address the Urgent Need for
Better Infrastructure in the United Kingdom, Based on the Forecasted Growth
From the Travel & Tourism Industry Body.

The United Kingdom's Travel & Tourism economy is expected to generate
over GBP190 billion in 2007, growing faster than the current rate of
inflation at 3.1 per cent per annum between 2008 and 2017, according to the
latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Despite this positive growth industry leaders convened in Canary Wharf in
London's financial district to raise their concerns about continued inaction
to address deepening infrastructure constraints, which is jeopardizing
economic prospects and seriously affecting the experience of millions of
travellers across the world.

The United Kingdom, which stands as the 5th largest Travel & Tourism
economy, contributing 9.1 per cent of GDP and 8.5 per cent of employment in
2007, has received increasing criticism in recent months for its
mismanagement of increasing pressures on its infrastructure system, most
notably at the main airport hubs.

Presenting these statistics, WTTC President Jean-Claude Baumgarten warned
that the UK government must react now to maintain this strong economic
position. The impact would heavily affect the UK's Travel & Tourism industry
and wider economy. He added "The current focus is on climate change and this
industry cannot be demonised as the cause. It is quite simple - efficient
infrastructure and less congestion will have a positive impact on the
environment."

At the meeting, Manchester Airports Group CEO Geoff Muirhead CBE
highlighted the importance of the aviation industry to the UK economy "The
four Manchester Airport Group airports (Manchester, East Midlands,
Bournemouth and Humberside) generate more than GBP3 billion for UK plc, and
support thousands of Travel & Tourism jobs. Inbound tourism is clearly good
news for the British economy, while overseas travel allows UK citizens the
chance for a well earned break in a sunnier climate. We need to find ways of
supporting both these aspects of tourism much more effectively, given their
importance to the UK economy as a whole."

Hospitality and leisure development will also continue to grow and will
create greater jobs opportunities explained Whitbread Chief Executive Alan
Parker "The hospitality industry depends heavily on the infrastructure of
air, road and rail links, which transport clients to the hotels. If
infrastructure does not keep pace with growth, then business and tourism
could drift away from the UK to other markets on the continent."

WTTC Chairman Geoffrey Kent concluded "The government must put in place a
long term infrastructure plan with at least a 15 year horizon. The 2012
Olympic Games will provide the platform, focus and budget for this long-term
plan, which will drive the forecasted tourism demand."

For further information, please visit http://www.wttc.org/

About The World Travel & Tourism Council

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the forum for the Chairs and
Chief Executives of the world's most prominent 100 Travel & Tourism
companies. Empowered with the perspective of global leaders, representing all
sectors of the industry and all regions of the world, WTTC has a unique
mandate and overview on all matters related to Travel & Tourism.

WTTC works with industry and governments to raise awareness of
the strategic importance of Travel & Tourism - one of the world's largest
industries - employing more than 230 million people and generating over 10
per cent of world GDP.