Simon Jupp MP re-elected as chair of group championing hospitality and tourism in Parliament

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, has been unanimously re-elected as Chair of the Hospitality & Tourism All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), a cross-party group of politicians championing the hospitality and tourism industry in Parliament.

 During the group’s annual general meeting on the 19th of March which coincided with English Tourism Week, Simon Jupp MP, who has been chair of the APPG since 2021, praised local businesses in East Devon and the sector’s contribution to the county’s economy.

Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, was also present at the meeting to represent the industry’s national body and give an update to members on the current challenges and opportunities for the sector.

UKHospitality, as the registered secretariat for the APPG, works closely alongside the East Devon MP as chair, who was thanked for his committed service to the role and help in securing additional industry support from government.

In the Autumn Statement 2023, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP, announced an extension to a 75% business rates discount which supports the sector and thanked the East Devon MP personally for his campaigning on the issue.

The APPG will continue to highlight the importance of hospitality, particularly in coastal and rural areas. It will also focus on the jobs and skills development hospitality has to offer for people from all walks of life around the country. 

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; “I’m chuffed to have been unanimously re-elected as chair of this important cross-party group backing our brilliant hospitality and tourism businesses. They create great food, drink, jobs and experiences, especially in our part of Devon, whilst giving so much back to our economy. Alongside my colleagues in the group and the hardworking team at UKHospitality led by Kate Nicholls OBE, I want the government to build on its record of support by helping these businesses invest and grow.”

Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive Officer of UKHospitality, said; “The Hospitality and Tourism APPG is lucky to have so many MPs who champion the sector as members and I’d like to congratulate Simon on his re-election as chair. Simon is a powerful advocate for the sector and has been instrumental in his role, supporting the sector’s successful campaign for business rates relief to be extended.”