VisitEngland is calling for closer collaboration with the private sector to maintain growth in English tourism.
Its chief executive James Berresford made the appeal after a report was released today showing the value of travel and tourism to the economy.
The report ‘Tourism: jobs and growth’, by Deloitte, said English tourism has grown faster than manufacturing, construction and retail and is now worth £106 billion and supports 2.6million jobs,
The tourism economy in England accounts for 8.8% of England’s GDP and 9.4% of employment.
"England is the powerhouse behind UK tourism, driving the increase in domestic and international visitors and generating job creation throughout the country," said Berresford.
"We cannot, however, continue to achieve this momentum without working ever more closely together. Whilst maintaining strong links with our traditional stakeholders, we must continually think outside of the box by forging new partnerships with the private sector, reaching out to organisations which have a shared growth agenda and thinking laterally about new funding streams."
For the first time, this report provides analysis for London and the rest of England separately.
Outside of the capital tourism is worth £70 billion and supports1.9 million jobs.
