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Tourism Minister, John Penrose addressed the English tourism industry at a conference organised by the national tourist board, VisitEngland. During his speech Mr Penrose thanked the industry for their support as he came into post, and praised the existing Strategic Framework for Tourism in England launched earlier this year.
Mr Penrose acknowledged the current challenges facing the industry in the run up to the forthcoming announcement of the comprehensive spending review, which will determine the budget available for tourism over the next three years, and urged the industry to continue to work in partnership. He highlighted examples of top class destination management across the country, encouraged the industry to emulate best practise across the board, and vowed to use the existing good work as a template for the future.
The hundred-strong group, termed Partners for England, included delegates from tourism organisations from around the country from destination management organisations to the public and private sector, many of whom provided invaluable feedback to the Minister on a variety of issues affecting the industry.
When questioned on the issue of how tourism will be managed after the closure of the Regional Development Agencies, the Minister confirmed that he had asked VisitEngland to oversee that.
VisitEngland Chief Executive James Berresford commented: “I am delighted that the Minister could join us today to address so many members of our industry. We have been working closely with the Minister since he came into post to provide input into his forthcoming tourism strategy. We are also working together to provide solutions that will ensure tourism is supported throughout the country once the Regional Development agencies close.”
The Minister’s strategy, which amongst other things will tackle issues affecting tourism across Whitehall, will be launched at the end of the year.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
