TOURISM in Ipswich is buoyant and improving, attendees at a recent leisure and tourism lunch agreed.

The event, which was held at the Gatehouse on Old Norwich Road in Ipswich, was hosted by Ipswich MP Ben Gummer and staff from Clarice House, Fred. Olsen Travel, the Suffolk Agricultural Association (SAA) and Viking Mariners attended.

They concluded that despite a challenging economy, increased red tape and burgeoning VAT rates, tourism levels in Ipswich are on the up.

However, the town does need to do more to retain skills and trades through better training and employment opportunities, they said.

Ben Gummer said: “If tourism levels drop, the whole town suffers, so events like this one give a crucial insight into how businesses and government regulations can support the sector and thereby improve what the town has to offer.”

Rachael Jackson from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines added: “Despite significant increases in operational costs, Ipswich businesses have continued to offer consistently high standards of quality and value for money within the leisure and tourism sector.

“It is vital that this trend continues.”