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Tourism leaders warn ban on taking children out of school is costing the region millions

Tourism leaders have warned a ban on taking school children on holiday during term time is costing the region millions of pounds in lost revenue. A survey estimated the cost at £87 million a year.

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YOUR VIEWS: Taking kids out of school for holidays.

We asked your views on how you feel about taking children out of school for family holidays. Do the tougher rules make you less likely to do it?

Dozens of you got back to us, here are just a selection.

I have taken mine out and will continue to do so - I would rather pay the fine as it's a lot cheaper. They are only young once and it has done my children no harm

– Gronnia Bastow, from Torbay

As school support staff I have to take my holidays in school holidays. There are deals to be had if you look for them.

– Sheila Maybery, from Weymouth

What about those of us in the West Country, how are we supposed to take our holidays during the school breaks when most of us work in the tourism industry?

– Sam Mallon, from the Isles of Scilly

I think that if the children have good attendance then there shouldn't be a problem.

– Pippa Sadiq, from Bodmin

Book a year ahead and that way you have 12 months to pay for a holiday without taking the kids out of school.

– Julie Richards, from Weymouth

If it's the only way they can afford a holiday then they should be able to, a holiday can be very educational even just 'rockpooling' or seegng tourist attractions.

– Simon Burfield

Tourism leaders warn ban on taking children out of school is costing millions

Tourism leaders have warned a ban on taking school children on holiday during term time is costing the region millions of pounds in lost revenue. A survey estimated the cost at £87 million a year.

A summit is to be held next month try to solve the problem. The tourist industry is calling on the Education Secretary to relax a ruling which means parents face heavy fines for ignoring the ban.

Our Cornwall correspondent Steve Hardy reports.

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