COVID-19 Tourism Industry Emergency Response (TIER)

The Tourism Industry Emergency Response Group (TIER) is a small group comprising key tourism industry associations and organisations, as well as relevant government departments, for which VisitBritain provides the secretariat. The group develops plans for crisis scenarios as well as manages the tourism industry’s response to a specific crisis. It has been meeting regularly, every one or two weeks, since the start of pandemic in January 2020.

The work of the group has included:

  • Monitoring impact on tourism, hospitality and event businesses and destinations
  • Providing evidence of the issues facing the industry
  • Feeding in support requirements for businesses and identify where there may be gaps
  • Sharing evidence of the issues facing the industry and business impact
  • Advising on requirements for re-opening and looking at ways to extend the season

All of this is with a view to help Government developing and shape support for tourism businesses at this crucial time, as well as looking at longer-term recovery. 

 

More about TIER

TIER was established in 2001 in response to the Foot and Mouth disease outbreak across Britain and 9/11.  The combination of these two events cost Britain’s tourism industry in excess of £3 billion and highlighted the fragmented structure of the industry.  TIER was established to provide a more coordinated crisis response across the tourism industry. TIER is facilitated by VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, and comprises 10+ industry representatives.  Members of the group include the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Association of British Travel Agents, AITO, the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, the Business Visits and Events Partnership, UKinbound, UK Hospitality, Britain’s national tourist boards and tourism alliances. Other groups are called on depending on the location and nature of the crisis.