£20m booster for NW tourism
THE region’s £11bn tourism sector received a £20.6m boost today.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency said the three-year funding package for five tourist boards in Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, Cumbria and Cheshire, would help them support tourism businesses during the current economic climate.
The funding has been allocated to Cumbria Tourism, the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, Marketing Manchester, the Mersey Partnership and Visit Chester and Cheshire.
More than 270 million people visit the region each year, but there are fears than this number will drop as consumers rein-in spending.Tourism sustains around 190,000 full time jobs.
The NWDA said it had not decided how the money will be allocated as it is negotiating with the individual boards on their funding for the next three years.
The cash will be invested in training programmes, visitor information, product development and marketing activity.
James Berresford, director of tourism at the NWDA, said: “The current economic climate will inevitably have an impact on the tourism industry, which is why it is now more important than ever for us to continue to invest in the region’s tourism offer.
“The NWDA is committed to supporting the region’s visitor economy and this investment will ensure a strong climate of support for tourism during these challenging times.
“If we continue to invest in infrastructure, training, marketing our unique offer and, above all, maintain a quality, value-for-money visitor experience, the North West can continue to develop its competitive advantage and capitalise on the increasing trend to holiday at home.”
The news of the funding came days after North West business pressure group Private Sector Partners said tourism should be prioritised by the NWDA and local councils to enable it to take advantage of an expected rise in domestic tourism, because fewer people will go abroad because of the recession and the strength of the euro.
The organisation’s leader, Len Collinson said: “The financial crisis presents a very real threat to business. But there is also opportunity. Tourism can play a key role in driving and generating wealth and jobs across the region during this recession.
“We know more holidays are going to be taken in the UK by British holiday makers, but foreign tourists will also be looking to cash in on the strength of euro and the dollar. We must get as big a share as possible of these tourists”ompelling reasons to visit.”
The vast majority of visitors to the North West are day visitors, and most live around two hours’ drive away. In terms of inbound tourism, Ireland is the largest market, followed by the USA, Germany, Germany, Spain and France.
