A local MP was helping to celebrate the tourism industry in South Leicestershire on 31 March as part of English Tourism Week 2017.
Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire visited the Hilton Leicester hotel for a briefing with representatives from local tourism businesses including conferencing venues, accommodation providers and visitor attractions. The briefing was hosted by Leicestershire Promotions and attendees represented Badgers Mount Hotel, Blaby District Council, Bruntingthorpe, East Midlands Chamber, Everards, Fosse Park, Harborough District Council, Hilton Leicester and Marriott Leicester.
The visit was part of English Tourism Week from 25 March to 2 April 2017, a week-long national celebration of events showcasing the quality and vibrancy of the visitor experience, and the value of the local and English tourism industry.
Tourism is the third largest employer in England and locally, is one of the fastest-growing industries in Leicester and Leicestershire. Last year alone, the value of tourism to Leicester and Leicestershire grew for the seventh consecutive year to reach a record high of £1.675 billion. This is a 6.6 per cent rise on the previous year and a total increase of over 20 per cent since 2012. The industry supports 21,441 jobs in Leicester and Leicestershire.
Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire said: “Tourism is an incredibly important industry both locally, within South Leicestershire, and of course, on a larger national level, hence why I am delighted to support English Tourism Week 2017. I’m very proud to note that the region has a great wealth of tourist attractions, with visitor highlights such as King Richard III and the National Space Centre, putting Leicester and Leicestershire firmly on the national tourist map.”
James Howard, General Manager of Hilton Leicester commented: "Tourism is a dynamic and fascinating industry which - in my opinion - will continue to grow in the UK and indeed Leicestershire and will continue to support the county’s economy and job force. Leicester and the whole county has so much to offer, from fascinating heritage and a great range of attractions to stunning countryside and the buzz of city life, making it the perfect destination for a superb getaway, and here at Hilton Leicester we are truly proud of being part of this diverse city and offering our guests an extraordinary experience.”
Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicestershire Promotions added: “Tourism is a vital sector for economic growth in Alberto’s constituency of South Leicestershire and for Leicester and Leicestershire as a whole. English Tourism Week is a great opportunity for MPs such as Alberto, along with tourism businesses, stakeholders, residents and most importantly, visitors, to showcase and celebrate all that’s great about local tourism.”