Government unveils tourism strategy

The Government has promised to make Great Britain a top holiday destination with both domestic and foreign holidaymakers in its first ever strategy for tourism.

Launching the document yesterday, National Heritage Secretary Virginia Bottomley outlined a six-point action plan to bring more tourists to the UK and encourage more British people to holiday here.

The strategy document lays down two key growth targets for the industry. The Government wants to see growth in inbound tourism earnings exceed the average annual growth rate in the European Union. It also wants to see domestic tourism earnings rising faster than the annual growth rate in all consumer spending.

"We have set tough targets because we believe the industry has the energy and enthusiasm to meet them and to realise our shared vision of tourism as a high-quality, profitable and sustainable activity," Mrs Bottomley said.

Among the more concrete proposals are a review of regional tourist boards and more consumer research.