English Tourism Week 2015 has kicked off with a week long programme of events from 14 – 22 March to celebrate tourism in England. The industry-wide initiative run by the national tourist board, VisitEngland, is designed to shine a light on the importance of tourism in England - an industry worth £106bn a year to England, supporting 2.6million jobs.
The week will feature a combination of business and consumer focused events across the country with the aim of raising the profile of tourism, highlighting the important contribution it makes to England’s economy and its potential for future growth.
Andrew Bridgen MP said:
“In celebration of English Tourism Week I visited Tourist Information Centre in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and learnt about its exhibition on ‘Tourism in North West Leicestershire Past and Present’, the exhibition contained photographs, press cuttings and brochures from the centre’s history. Which proved to be a lovely journey through time.”
“This week I also met with VisitEngland to fly the flag for tourism at a Tourism Alliance parliamentary reception held at the House of Commons. North West Leicestershire hosts a range of tourist attractions, the area offers both beauty and excitement and I am proud that English Tourism Week will show this off.”
English Tourism Week, now in its fourth year, will see hundreds of attractions, hotels and other tourism businesses across England putting on special events, promotions and competitions to encourage more visitors through their doors, and inspire people to become tourism ambassadors for their local area.
VisitEngland Chief Executive James Berresford said: “English tourism is a thriving, growing industry with the value to the economy expected to double to over £216bn by 2025, providing 1 in every 10 jobs. Established as one of the key events in the tourism calendar, English Tourism Week continues to raise the profile of the sector by demonstrating the importance of tourism to the economy and employment, whilst highlighting the many opportunities for growth.”
“It is a chance for us all to celebrate the quality and vibrancy of our visitor experiences in a week-long programme of events to kick start the 2015 season. Plus it provides a platform for tourism businesses to really showcase the wonderful events, attractions and scenery they have on offer for people who live locally, as well encourage visitors from across the country and abroad to experience England’s variety, accessibility and value.”