Mark Garnier MP welcomes strong growth for key Wyre Forest industry
Government department the Office of National Statistics (ONS) announced record breaking tourism figures last week.
According to the ONS, there were 32.81 million visits from overseas in 2013. This is 1.97 million more visitors than in 2012- a huge 6% increase. This record breaking number of visitors spent £21 billion in 2013. This is the first time that the £20 billion mark has been passed.
The Government is working hard to support growth in this key industry. David Cameron announced that there will be 2 new apprenticeships for Tourism and Hospitality. In the budget the Chancellor also announced the removal of the two highest rates of Air Passenger Duty for long haul flights. This will be a huge boost to the industry encouraging visitors from Australia, India and China.
Mark Garnier said “This surge is great news for tourism in Wyre Forest and across the UK. Tourism is a key industry locally with premier attractions such as the West Midlands Safari Park and the Severn Valley Railway. But we have a wealth of attractions across the whole district: Stourport canal basin, the Carpet Museum in Kidderminster, Harvington Hall and the Wyre Forest itself also all attract vast numbers of visitors into the area. The industry boosts our economy significantly and supports a huge number of jobs locally.
“Nationally it has been estimated that the industry’s contribution will rise to £257 billion by 2025 and support 3.7 million jobs. It is therefore essential that we continue to support this vital industry.”