Giles Watling MP joined Tourism Minister Michael Ellis to shine a spotlight on the country’s tourism industry in a week devoted to travel and exploration during English Tourism Week (ETW) 17-25 March 2018.
Giles Watling, Member of Parliament for Clacton, joined Tourism Minister Michael Ellis MP for a drop-in session on Tuesday 20 March to celebrate English Tourism Week and to meet with representatives of national tourist organisation VisitBritain/VisitEngland, to hear about the launch of its global tourism campaign ‘I Travel For…’ and how this will benefit the UK economy.
Now in its seventh year, English Tourism Week raises the profile and showcases the benefits of the tourism industry to local communities and the economy.
Giles said:
“The tourism industry is vital to coastal constituencies like Clacton. It is this industry that provides significant employment opportunities locally. Whether that is provided by those offering overnight accommodation, days out, restaurants, seafront attractions or shops. That is why I am proud to support this vital campaign, to ensure that we showcase the benefits of tourism along our fantastic sunshine coast.”
Tourism Minister, Michael Ellis said:
“From the beautiful Cornish Riviera to the iconic Hadrian's Wall, England boasts a wealth of unique heritage, breath-taking views, and world-class culture. English Tourism Week is a great opportunity for us to showcase the very best of what our country has to offer. In 2017 more than 44 million Brits holidayed in the UK and this week gives us a chance to raise the profile of the destinations that are so important at creating jobs and supporting the local economy.”
This year the spring equinox falls during English Tourism Week and VisitEngland is asking people to share their favourite spring moments using #Springland, #ETW18 and #VisitEngland.
Latest VisitEngland statistics show that from January to November 2017 Brits took more than 44 million domestic holidays in England, spending more than £10 billion, up five and six per cent respectively compared to the same period in 2016.
To promote tourism during the week VisitEngland has created an events website for people to find out about, and book, activities with many offering discounts and incentives to encourage visitors. For a selection of the best offers see the blog here.
To find out what's on during ETW click here.
I Travel For…global campaign to boost inbound tourism
In February this year VisitBritain launched a new global marketing campaign ‘I Travel For…’ to boost inbound tourism to Britain. The campaign uses short films and story-telling to highlight unexpected experiences and less explored destinations in Britain, as well as its globally renowned and iconic landmarks and attractions. The digital campaign kicked off internationally with a launch film on Facebook and Instagram and will be followed by a series of films and images promoting destinations across Britain.
Overseas visits to the UK are forecast to break through the 40 million mark for the first time in 2018, reaching 41.7 million. Spending by overseas visitors to the UK is forecast to reach £26.9 billion this year.
VisitBritain’s I Travel For... campaign is part of the UK Government’s GREAT Britain campaign, which promotes the UK internationally as a place to visit, study, invest and do business.
Tourism is worth £127 billion to the UK economy, creating jobs and boosting economic growth across its nations and regions.