The secretary of state for arts, heritage and tourism, Michael Ellis, has thrown his weight behind youth tourism, admitting that the "considerable contribution" from youth travelers could be "more widely acknowledged".

During a keynote speech at the annual British Educational Travel Association (BETA) parliamentary reception in London, Ellis said young travellers often spend more money and time at destinations than their older counterparts, and that they should be welcomed to the UK as "the wealth creators of tomorrow”.

"I recognise its economic and socio-economic importance and this is something that we very much want to support," he said.

“Young people continue to redefine certain aspects of global travel and we ignore that at our peril – and I for one have no intention of ignoring it.”

He also acknowledged BETA's work to promote the youth travel market, which includes the hosting of the annual British Youth Travel Awards.

“Through BETA’s vision the UK offers these types of young consumers a dazzling array of exciting and rewarding opportunities," Ellis added.

"BETA Members are driving economic value but also enhancing social value within local communities.”

“I am looking forward to exploring approaches to driving a wider acknowledgement of the significance of youth, student and educational travel. Working to together we can further amplify the sterling achievements consistently delivered by BETA and its members.”