A recent House of Commons event highlighted key tourism and transport issues.
- Tourism leaders stressed the need for the EU’s Entry-Exit System’s smooth introduction.
- Restoring Eurostar services to Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations was a major point of discussion.
- Significant potential economic threats to Kent were identified if rail services remain halted.
- Calls were made for innovative solutions to climate challenges in ferry transport.
At a House of Commons reception, tourism chiefs advocated for the uninterrupted introduction of the EU’s impending Entry-Exit System, underlining its significance to the UK’s travel infrastructure. Hosted by Damian Collins, Conservative MP for Folkestone and Hythe, the event underscored the dire need to restore Eurostar services to Ashford and Ebbsfleet, halted since March 2020. The absence of these services, as Kent County Council research suggested, could potentially cost the Kent economy a staggering £75 million by 2040, impacting 30,000 jobs significantly and leading to unnecessary travel expenses totalling £16.5 million per annum for residents and visitors.
The plea from Visit Kent centred not only on the restoration of rail links but also on the imperative need for financial and regulatory backing to establish a ‘substantial’ shoreside clean power supply, crucial for reducing carbon emissions from ferry travels on the Dover route. Deirdre Wells, Visit Kent’s chief executive, articulated a call for governmental collaboration with Eurostar to enhance transport system resilience through the usage of Ashford and Ebbsfleet’s facilities. Highlighting Kent’s strategic importance as a gateway, she emphasised the necessity for investment in a world-class port, road, and rail network to propel the region’s prosperity.
Economic considerations were echoed by Derek Murphy, cabinet member for economic development at Kent County Council, who stressed the importance of reinstating international rail services for Kent’s economic welfare. Similarly, Doug Bannister, CEO of The Port of Dover, commented on the immediate challenges posed by the EU Entry-Exit System and climate change, advocating for a concerted industry-government initiative to foster smarter, more sustainable travel solutions.
A significant theme emerged with regard to digitising travel systems to better manage traffic flows, a move championed by John Keefe, chief corporate and public affairs officer at Getlink Group, Eurotunnel’s parent company. He assured that ongoing investments in border technology would facilitate swift and efficient terminal crossings, mitigating the risk of additional queuing times. Moreover, a House of Lords committee recently raised alarms over potential travel disruptions unless swift actions are taken to seamlessly implement the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as well as the EU’s Entry-Exit System and Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The discussions at the House of Commons highlighted urgent transport and economic concerns, underscoring the necessity for collaborative solutions to these pressing issues.
