Tourism bodies have welcomed news of £10 million worth of funding to develop a new strategy for the north of the UK.
The government’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) will commit the backing for tourism in the north of
England.
Previous RGF funding saw VisitEngland secure £19.8 million to implement a three-year ‘Growing Tourism Locally’ project back in 2012. To date this has generated £527 million in additional tourism spend while also creating 9,800 extra jobs.
VisitEngland’s chief executive James Berresford said: “We will be working closely with our sponsor department DCMS, our local partners and the private sector to devise and implement the [north] strategy to launch next year. VisitEngland is committed to supporting all areas of the country to ensure that tourism in England thrives. We will continue to work closely with partners throughout the country to build on the success of recent activity.”
Sally Balcombe, chief executive at VisitBritain said: “VisitBritain welcomes the Deputy Prime Minister’s announcement of £10 million from the Regional Growth Fund to support the development of a coordinated tourism strategy to promote the North of England. We stand ready to use our global network and links with international customers and travel trade to be a delivery partner.
“This money will enable Northern tourist destinations to build on their recent success – visitors spent 16% more in the north of England in 2013 than in the previous year – and encourage more international visitors to explore and enjoy all that this region has to offer.”
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