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Plans to scrap the May Day bank holiday in England and Wales for alternative dates have been unveiled by ministers.
But measures to implement a "double summertime" to bring UK clocks in line with the continent were not included in the strategy, despite suggestions it would be.
Tourism minister John Penrose said moving the May Day public holiday could bring benefits to the tourist season.
He said: "As a nation we are a little bit prone to underplay what we have on our doorstep."
Changing the date to St George's Day on April 23 would bring an earlier start to the tourism season, while putting it in October half-term on the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, Oct 21 would elongate the season.
And changes will be considered by the government in consultation as it seeks to maximise the benefits expected from the Queen's Diamond Jubillee and the Olympics next year.
On altering the time difference, Penrose said the proposals had been "in then out, then in and then out" of the final published document.
Penrose said it had been decided not to include it as it did not really add to the government's view that going on to European time was an interesting idea and that any change would not be introduced without the backing of the devolved administrations in Edinburgh and Belfast.
A separate Daylight Saving Private Members Bill, introduced by Conservative MP Rebecca Harrisis currently going through Parliament.
Should the bill be successful, it would require the government to look at the benefits of adjusting to European time.
The government set out plans to cut tourism boards, instead getting businesses to fund advertising campaigns.
It also includes plans to make tourist visas simpler, faster and more convenient to get.
And ministers want to broaden the offer of tourism by creating alternative destinations in the UK which match London in a bid to capture the spare tourism capacity.
Consultation will now being on any possible changed to the tourism strategy but no moves will be expected until 2013.
Article Comments
We very much welcome the fact that there is a Government tourism strategy, albeit one that largely ignores the three main obstacles to developing tourism to and from the UK which are the taxation of flights, the cost of visas for foreign visitors and a lack of airport capacity in the South East of England. According to ONS figures, outbound tourism contributes 15 billion pounds to the UK economy and supports many thousands of jobs as well as enriching the life experience of millions of UK families. Regrettably, this important sector is effectively dismissed by the Government's strategy.
Simon Buck, Chief Executive of the British Air Transport Association (BATA)
4th Mar 2011 at 3:15 pm
There is no reason to move the May Day public holiday to create a new public holiday. The Government can promulgate a new holiday and leave May Day alone.
May Day is not just international workers day. As a day for popular public celebrations it has long roots in our history stretching back to pagan times with the Maypole.
Paul Kenny, general secretary, GMB
4th Mar 2011 at 1:39 pm
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