VisitEngland aims for 225,000 tourism jobs

A 10-year tourism strategy to create 225,000 jobs and increase visitor spending was announced today by VisitEngland.

The organisation wants to see a 5% year-on-year growth in tourism so spending can reach the £50 billion figure.

Tourism is worth £97 billion a year and employs more than two million people, but VisitEngland fears that a "no growth" scenario would result in significant job losses and the demise of businesses.

James Berresford, VisitEngland's chief executive, said: "Tourism needs and indeed deserves much greater recognition for the positive impacts it brings to the economy in terms of income, skills and jobs.

"It is an excellent route into employment at all levels which is why the prospect of increasing the number of jobs the industry supports is so exciting. This strategy strives for an even higher standard of quality and service so that we improve what the industry has to offer even further - and achieve the 5% growth as a result."

VisitEngland chairman, Viscountess Cobham, said: "The industry has jobs to offer and it is time to stand up and all play a part in shaping the future that this industry deserves. We have been incredibly encouraged by the renewed enthusiasm for English tourism and look forward to this continuing."