English Tourism Week (March 18-27) will highlight the wide range of career opportunities available across the industry as the sector rebuilds after the effects of the pandemic.
Coordinated by VisitEngland, the annual initiative will also highlight how England’s tourism industry is ready to welcome visitors, with the strapline ‘You’re Welcome’.
Tourism minister Nigel Huddleston said: “English Tourism Week celebrates the enormous contribution our brilliant tourism sector makes to the economy and I’m looking forward to supporting this year’s events.
“I encourage people to explore the huge range of opportunities available – from finding a new and rewarding career to exploring the exciting range of experiences, events and destinations on offer.”
Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland director, said tourism supports millions of jobs and local economies right across England.
“This year the week is also dedicated to supporting our industry as it rebuilds, showing that it is open and ready to welcome visitors back to the experiences they have missed during the pandemic,” he commented.
“We’re also using the week to highlight the range and variety of jobs across the industry and to encourage people to consider a career in tourism.
“From tour operating, destination marketing, hospitality and hotel management to business events, visitor attractions and policy development, our people-focused sector has a huge amount to offer employees.”
VisitEngland is calling for businesses and destinations to get involved in the week with a ‘toolkit’ of marketing assets including posters available to download to promote local products and services, attractions and experiences.
The tourist board and local destinations are also asking MPs, local authorities, the UK government and other stakeholders to get involved and show their support by visiting local businesses and attractions during the week.
English Tourism Week follows VisitEngland’s launch of its £1 million domestic campaign – ‘Escape the Everyday – enjoy an English city break this spring’ – to encourage short breaks to English cities, hit hard by the lack of international visitors.
The campaign is also highlighting the landmark events taking place across England’s cities this year including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Tourism in England employs about 2.6 million people and in 2019 it generated £76 billion in domestic visitor spending.