East Midlands' tourism businesses invited to help shape the future of tourism

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11/03/2010

Tourism businesses in the East Midlands are being asked to help shape the future direction of tourism in order to increase its economic impact. 

The current strategy for the visitor economy, Destination East Midlands, comes to an end this year and East Midlands Tourism, East Midlands Development Agency's (emda's) tourism arm, is undertaking a review to identify what the key priorities should be for tourism over the next ten years.

Since Destination East Midlands was launched in 2003 the tourism landscape has changed significantly. There is now greater access into the region as a result of the introduction of more low cost flights into East Midlands Airport and the change of the Eurostar terminal to St Pancras. More consumers are also booking online and taking more short breaks. 

Ruth Hyde, tourism director,emdasaid, "We really want all those with an interest in tourism to feed into this review to help us identify where our priorities should lie over the next ten years.  This review is about building a clear picture of what the industry believes has worked well over the last seven years, and what else can be done to create a thriving visitor economy in the region. The future growth of the industry can only be made possible with the support of everyone involved.  So we hope businesses will play their part in helping to inform the recommendations that will shape the future direction of tourism in the East Midlands over the next ten years."

Tourism businesses in the East Midlands interested in taking part in the review are invited to fill in a questionnaire atwww.emdaquestionnaire.co.uk, and have until Friday 26 March to complete it.

This questionnaire is part of a wider consultation that will include focus groups and meetings with key organisations and businesses across the region. The findings of the review are expected in November.

emdahas had responsibility for tourism since 2003 when it was charged by Government with leading on the development of tourism in the East Midlands. Tourism contributes around £5.9 billion to the region's economy and employs around 100,000 people.

For more information:
Bernadette McAndrew/Lauraine Jordan
East Midlands Tourism
Tel: 0115 988 8365
Email:laurainejordan@emd.org.uk

Kirsty McMahon
East Midlands Tourism
Tel: 0115 988 8365
Email:kirstymcmahon@emd.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. East Midlands Tourism was established in April 2004 by East Midlands Development Agency and is responsible for improving the skills, quality standards and the value and competitiveness of the tourism industry. The tourism industry has an important role to play in supporting emda's aim to deliver the 2006 Regional Economic Strategy (RES) which sets out regional priorities until 2020. The RES, coordinated byemda, highlights the themes of productivity, sustainability and equality and builds on the previous two strategies; 'Prosperity through People' and 'Destination 2010'.  For more information on east midlands tourism visitwww.eastmidlandstourism.com 

2. East Midlands Tourism works with five Destination Management Partnerships - Experience Nottinghamshire, Explore Northamptonshire, Leicester Shire Promotions, Lincolnshire Tourism and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire. These organisations are responsible for managing their sub region as a tourist destination, working with local stakeholders, and are the first point of contact for businesses and visitors. For more information visitwww.discovereastmidlands.com

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