English Tourism Week launched at House of Commons
Tourism Minister Helen Grant officially launched English Tourism Week with a dinner at the House of Commons.
The event, held last night (Thursday 27 March), kick started a week long programme of events running 29 March to 6 April that aim to celebrate tourism in England.
Organised by national tourist board VisitEngland, the initiative is designed to shine a light on the importance of tourism in England - an industry worth £106b a year to England, supporting 2.6 million jobs.
James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, described tourism as one of the few sectors active in every part of the country.
"English Tourism Week is an opportunity to raise the profile of the sector by demonstrating the importance of tourism to the economy, and the many opportunities for growth," he said.
"It is also 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 2014 season.
"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."
The week will feature a mixture of business and consumer focused events, with the winner of VisitEngland's Tourism Superstar 2014 award to be announced on day one.
A Tourism Alliance parliamentary reception will be held at the House of Commons on 31 March with Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Maria Miller MP and President of the Tourism Alliance, Sir David Michels as guest speakers.
Minister for Tourism Helen Grant said: "Our tourism industry helps us sell the country to the world, contributing to economic growth and driving investment. English Tourism Week is a celebration of all the wonderful visitor experiences we have on offer from spectacular scenery to world class attractions and our warm welcome.
"The industry is already making a hugely significant contribution to the country and the Government is working in partnership with tourism businesses for this to continue."
