A new UK government tourism strategy has been welcomed by VisitBritain/VisitEngland.
Chief executive of the tourism association Sally Balcombe said the announcement yesterday would help the UK build on recent record results in the sector.
The Tourism Action Plan included initiatives on regulation and red tape to help small businesses capitalise on a post-Brexit boom and encourage visitors to travel outside of London
Balcombe said: “We strongly support the launch of the Tourism Action Plan which outlines the government’s plans to ensure the continued success of the tourism industry which last year generated £22.1 billion in spending from inbound tourism to Britain and £19.6 billion from domestic overnight tourism spend in England, both record results.
Balcombe added the government’s announcement comes as VisitEngland completes a “hugely successful” first phase of the £40 million Discover England Fund.
The Fund attracted an exceptional number of high quality bids, far outweighing the allocated funding available for year one.
She added: “We are pleased to have chosen some excellent winners, including the South West Coastal Path and Visit Kent and Cheshire’s ‘Gardens and Gourmets’, and we will now be working closely with them to build world-class ‘bookable’ tourism products that showcase the best of England to international and domestic visitors.
“We look forward to continuing the success of the fund with larger scale bids worth more than £1 million in years two and three.”
VisitBritain/VisitEngland will continue to promote the country under its domestic and global #OMGB ‘Home of Amazing Moments’ campaign.
Balcombe said: “Tourism is a fiercely competitive global industry and the Tourism Action Plan demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving our competitive tourism offer which includes making it easier for visitors to explore Britain using our extensive transport network.
“We are thrilled to be running a competition with the Rail Delivery Group to give five pairs of winners the chance to test out some of our best rail itineraries and show just how easy it is to explore all the incredible experiences and attractions on offer across Britain.”