One of Suffolk’s leading hotel companies has welcomed the Government’s launch of a five-point plan to boost Britain’s tourism industry outside of London.
The initiative, announced by Prime Minister David Cameron during a visit to Cornwall, is to be headed by Culture Secretary John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, and will involve co-operation across a range of government departments.
It aims to address issues including skills, regulation, transport and border procedures as well as to encourage greater co-ordination between tourism attractions and organisations, all with the aim of helping to ensure a world-class welcome to visitors from overseas.
Peter Osborne, general manager of the Brudenell and White Lion hotels in Aldeburgh, part of the TA Hotel Collection group, said he was confident the plan would help develop Suffolk’s potential as a destination.
“Suffolk, and in particular the stunning Heritage Coast, has a huge amount to offer the visitor and is under two hours from central London,” he said.
“We look forward to working closely with local and national tourism associations to raise awareness of our stunning destination and maximise its potential. It’s vital to ensure visitor have the best possible experience every time so that they tell others, which in turn will create more visitors, and more jobs.
Train operator Abellio Greater Anglia said it worked closely with Visit Suffolk and Visit Norfolk to promote the region and was running extra services to Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Sheringham to make East Anglia more attractive for weekend breaks.
However, Richard Ellis, chairman of Visit East Anglia, said tourism businesses would be more interested in deeds than words, and would expect promises on transport made during the General Election campaign to be kept.
The Department for Transport announced last month that all rail upgrade schemes were being reviewed.
Launching the plan, David Cameron said: “Millions of overseas tourists visit the UK every year and most take in the sights of London. But Britain has so much more to offer, from the Cornish Riviera to the Scottish Highlands and everything in between.
“For many areas tourism is a key industry bringing jobs, growth and security for working people.
“Tourism supports almost one in 10 jobs in the UK and we want to rebalance the economy to make sure this boost is felt right across the country.”
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