Robert Largan, Member of Parliament for High Peak has taken part in the first ever “virtual” English Tourism Week to show their support for the industry and highlight its importance to the local economy.
English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, a week dedicated to showcasing England’s tourism offer. For this year’s virtual event, being held from 25-31 May, VisitEngland and local destinations are asking MPs, local authorities, the UK Government and other stakeholders to shine the spotlight on the importance of tourism to the local, regional and national economy and pledge their support to the sector’s recovery.
The High Peak MP also took the time to virtually meet with the Tourism Minister, Nigel Huddlestone MP, to make the case for the Peak District tourism industry and to discuss how we can restart the economy.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
“English Tourism Week is all about highlighting the economic benefits that tourism brings to local economies, celebrating our diverse and exciting sector, and showcasing the quality, range and value of English tourism.
“While we cannot run events as usual this year, the spirit of the week has never been more important. Tourism has been one of the first and hardest hit economic sectors due to the Covid-19 pandemic and this year’s virtual week is dedicated to showing support for the industry, the millions of people who work in it and the hundreds of thousands of businesses impacted.
“It is also about looking towards the future recovery and doing everything we can right now to ensure that tourism can bounce back to once again become one of the most successful and vibrant sectors of the economy.”
Commenting, local MP Robert Largan said:
“Tourism is a vital part of our local economy, employing a huge number of people both directly and indirectly. We all look forward to being able to welcome visitors back to the High Peak and for them to come and spend money here, once the virus is properly under control.
“I’m very pleased to support English Tourism Week. I’m also grateful to the Tourism Minister for meeting with me (virtually) so I could make the case for our fantastic local tourism and hospitality.”
VisitEngland is administering a £1.3m emergency fund to support local tourism organisations throughout the coronavirus outbreak. Under the scheme, destinations will be able to receive up to £2,500 per month for two members of non-furloughed staff who provide crucial business support services and up to £5,000 to cover operating costs.
Tourism is one of England’s largest and most valuable industries, supporting hundreds of thousands of businesses, employing more than 2.6 million people and generating more than £106 billion a year for the English economy. Between 2016 and 2018 High Peak welcomed on average 324,000 overnight trips per year, contributing £59million per year to the local economy.
