Last week I participated in a series of events in Westminster and Worcestershire in support of English Tourism Week, which ran from 30 March to 7 April. Now in its eighth year, English Tourism Week raises the profile and showcases the benefits of the tourism industry to both local communities and the overall economy.
I joined Tourism Minister Michael Ellis MP at an event in Westminster organised by the tourism boards VisitBritain and VisitEngland to highlight the fact that the tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries. Later in the week I joined Anthea McIntyre MEP at an event at the Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway where we were joined by many local hospitality and tourism related business leaders and community and civic leaders involved in promoting tourism in Worcestershire.
Tourism sustains more than 2.6 million jobs in England more than 3 million across the UK as a whole and generates over £106 billion a year for the British economy. Locally, the West Midlands region welcomed 2.3 million overseas visitors in 2017, with these visitors spending £807 million. Domestic tourism in England is also driving growth and supporting jobs. In 2018 there were over 43 million domestic holiday trips in England, with these holidaymakers spending over £10.4 billion.
I know that tourism is hugely important for us as a nation and also here in Worcestershire. We have a wealth of world-class heritage sites and beauty spots in our County that attract people from across the country and the globe that we should all be proud of. I was delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate our tourism sector and to promote it throughout the country. I have spoken out about the importance of this industry in Parliament and I hope we continue to promote the benefits we gain from it, especially this week for English Tourism Week.
Tourism Minister, Michael Ellis said:
“Tourism contributes hugely to our national economy. It is good for business, good for jobs and good for our local communities. English Tourism Week is a chance for us to celebrate the success of this industry and promote the superb range of destinations and attractions across the country.”
