09 March 2009

Domestic trade urged to back British Tourism Week

Domestic tourism businesses of all sizes are being urged to support British Tourism Week later this month.

Around 120 events have already been organised to help raise awareness of UK tourism during the week which runs on March 23-29.

This year British Tourism Week recognises that investment in tourism is investment in an industry that can rapidly benefit the UK economy and generate jobs, according to the organisers,

As well as a political lunch and reception to launch the week, MPs are being urged to visit tourism businesses in their constituencies on March 27.

The third annual event, supported by the Prince of Wales, aims to galvanise organisations and individuals to take pride in being part of the UK’s fifth biggest industry.

Bernard Donoghue, head of government relations at VisitBritain and co-chairman of British Tourism Week, said: "We want to ensure that the many sectors that make up our industry, the private and public sector, are prepared to unite in generating a lasting legacy.

"This year more of us are considering taking a holiday at home instead of overseas thanks to the economic climate.

"Every day, more of us are inspired by the appeals of heritage sites and historic buildings, our stunning countryside and cinematic landscapes or contemporary cities.

"Becoming ever more familiar with world-renowned events from Wimbledon to Ascot, we are also rediscovering the eccentricities - from worm-charming to sedan-racing, cheese-rolling and bog-snorkelling - and quintessentially British, cultural qualities that make us unique."

David Curtis-Brignell, co-chairman of British Tourism Week’s multi-sector steering committee and past-chairman of the Tourism Society, said: "Around 2.7 million people and 200,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in a wide range of sectors depend on tourism for their jobs and livelihoods.

"We are asking them to help us raise awareness of the tourism experiences that can be enjoyed in this country.

"We hope that if nothing else, MPs, the media, opinion-leaders and consumers will take time to learn and talk about our industry during British Tourism Week."

The week of events includes Best of Britain and Ireland show at London’s ExCeL on March 26-29.

To download a British Tourism Week poster, go to: http://www.britishtourismweek.com/assets/BTW2009_poster.pdf

by Phil Davies