VisitEngland, the national tourist board, announces a new collaboration with The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) in advance of English Tourism Week 2015 (ETW). Pubs represent a significant contribution to the visitor economy and as the lead body representing Britain’s brewers and pubs, the BBPA has pledged to encourage its members to take part in this important week for the tourism industry.
Tourism is worth £106 billion to the UK economy and employs 2.6 million people. English Tourism Week kick starts the tourism season and provides hundreds of tourism businesses with the opportunity to take part in a national campaign to encourage more visitors through their doors and inspire people to become tourism ambassadors for their local area.
For tourists, England’s pubs are a beacon. They offer something uniquely English, and are often identified as a major attraction for an English holiday. This desirability is highlighted by some 13 million foreign visitors every year.
Next year ETW will run from 14-22 March. Previous events taking place during English Tourism Week have ranged from afternoon teas and English-themed baking competitions to art exhibitions, special guided walks and ‘behind the scenes’ tours. There are lots of ways for pubs to get involved from creating all-English menus with locally sourced produce to running themed quiz nights and music events.
VisitEngland’s Chief Executive James Berresford said: “English Tourism Week is not only an opportunity to promote an industry worth £106billion to the economy, but it’s also to a great way to get Britons thinking of England as their next holiday destination by reminding them what’s on their own doorstep. I am delighted that The British Beer and Pub Association is on board and look forward to its members toasting the tourism industry in 2015.”
British Beer & Pub Association Chief Executive Brigid Simmonds said: “With great hospitality, accommodation and entertainment, pubs are right at the heart of English Tourism. Pubs now serve around one billion meals every year and offer 50,000 rooms. The British Beer & Pub Association will be encouraging all our members to celebrate English Tourism week in 2015, and offer advice on how they can get involved.”