WEST MIDLANDS CAN ATTRACT TOURISTS, SAYS STAFFORD MP

12 May 2009

David Kidney says we’ve got world-class attractions, first-class shopping, fantastic theatres and beautiful countryside here in the West Midlands:

“Tourism is our fourth largest industry bringing in £6 billion each year to the West Midlands, supporting 115,000 jobs across 30,000 companies. The business tourism sector is worth another £6.8 billion on its own.

“I want to increase tourism in the region, make sure we bring more visitors to the Staffordshire area, boost our economy and create more jobs.”

The Regional Minister Ian Austin, and the Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands, have agreed a £25 million action plan to boost the tourism sector across the West Midlands including:

    £1 million TV advertising campaign with the first-ever regional television advertisements to bring domestic visitors to the West Midlands
    A pilot project with the Department for Work and Pensions to boost skills and promote employment in tourism in the West Midlands – particularly for young people
    A £12 million campaign to attract new conferences, exhibitions and events, with £3m to boost business tourism through Marketing Birmingham
    £1 million Celebration of Imagination Festival and Event Programme, celebrating the region’s wide range of significant anniversaries in 2009
    A new partnership between the airport, hotels, theatres, shopping centres and attractions to promote short “city-breaks” from elsewhere in Britain and Europe
    New partnerships between major attractions on joint promotions and ticket offers, making it easier for visitors to get information and book tickets on-line
    New action plans to boost business tourism and capitalise on the Olympics, ensuring people visiting Britain for the games travel to the West Midlands


For further information CONTACT David Kidney on his mobile 07966 378844 or David’s offices on 020 7219 6472 or 01785 224444.

Visit www.visittheheart.co.uk to see the three commercials and for more information on all of the region’s attractions