THE revival of the UK¹s tourism industry depends upon a quality product being delivered by a skilled workforce, according to the CBI.

Digby Jones CBI Director-General and chairman of the Tourism Alliance, said: "The industry, which has traditionally relied on younger workers to fill many of its entry-level jobs, continues to be handicapped by skills shortages which are being made worse by a fall in the number of 16-24 year olds."

Mr Jones said: "The industry's future lies in a quality workforce delivering a quality product but it's prevented from doing that by the lack of an on-going source of well-trained staff. We all need to play a part in raising skill levels and those businesses that do invest in training shouldn't find competitors simply poaching their staff. Training should be encouraged with well targeted tax credits for employers and incentives for individuals seeking to improve their own employability."

Bill Dix, chairman of the Kent Tourism Sector Group, and managing director of Eurotunnel Shuttle Services, said its was important to capitalise on the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Nigel Bourne, CBI South East regional director, said: "It is vital that the industry bounces back in 2002 and the government can play an important part in boosting skills through a package of business incentives which recognise the importance of the tourism industry to the UK economy as a whole."