Inaugural British Tourism week announced by VisitBritain and UKinbound

The first ever British Tourism Week has been announced by VisitBritain and UKinbound.

From 12-18 March 2007, a series of events will aim to raise national and international awareness of the size, value and importance of Britain's £74b visitor economy.

Organisers hope to highlight every aspect of the industry from large to small, public and commercial businesses, with particular focus on maximising opportunities such as the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Tom Wright, VisitBritain chief executive, said: "If Britain is to continue to rival its competitors around the world and be ready to welcome the world in the build up to 2012 and beyond, we must work together to lay the foundations that will help ensure the future growth and prosperity of our visitor economy."

Wright said British Tourism Week would help redefine both the image and the reality of British tourism in the important years ahead.

Launched at the UKinbound Parliamentary reception on Tuesday (6 June), the week will focus around two national events in Birmingham.

UKinbound chairman Stephen Dowd said: "Tourism's importance to the UK's economy is often unappreciated, despite continued growth and record numbers of visitors."

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By Alix Young

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