LONDON -- A brouhaha has broken out in Great Britain over the
government's plan to merge the British Tourist Authority and the
English Tourism Council, with critics saying the move will create
conflicts of interest and confusion.
As reported, the two entities are to merge into one marketing
group next April, and be renamed.
Several members of Parliament said the proposal would alienate
the Scottish and Welsh tourist boards and leave England with no way
to independently promote itself.
According to Travel Weekly UK, one MP said the plan was
"rubbish" and should be revisited. Another said it was
"depressing."
But BTA chairman David Quarmby and CEO Tom Wright, who will head
up the new group, defended the formation of the combined entity,
and said they foresee no major problems.
Travel Weekly UK also reported that VisitScotland and the Wales
Tourist Board have come out against the plan.