22/03/2010 - Plans to boost tourism industry
A tourism organisation has unveiled its 10-year plan to create 225,000 jobs and increase visitor spending in the country.
VisitEngland's new strategy aims for a 5% yearly growth in the tourism sector so as to increase the visitor spending to £50 billion.
The current tourism market employs more than two million people and is worth £97 billion a year.
The organisation is concerned that a stagnancy in the sector will lead to a significant loss of jobs and will endanger a series of tourism businesses.
James Berresford, VisitEngland's chief executive, said: "Tourism needs and indeed deserves much greater recognition for the positive impacts it brings to the economy in terms of income, skills and jobs.
"It is an excellent route into employment at all levels, which is why the prospect of increasing the number of jobs the industry supports is so exciting.
VisitEngland chairman Viscountess Cobham added: "The industry has jobs to offer and it is time to stand up and all play a part in shaping the future that this industry deserves. We have been incredibly encouraged by the renewed enthusiasm for English tourism and look forward to this continuing."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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