Marketing Leeds has secured over £500,000 of funding from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to increase tourism to Leeds, increase visitor spend and boost employment in the sector.
The funding is part of ’Growing Tourism Locally’, a three-year programme coordinated by national tourist board, VisitEngland. The programme is expected to grow the value of international conferences, events and conventions and create 300 new jobs in the city and 9,100 jobs nationally.
The tourism and hospitality supports over 45,000 jobs and contributes nearly £1.13m to the city’s economy every year.
VisitEngland will be working directly with Marketing Leeds, hotels, travel companies and visitor attractions in Leeds and the wider city region to create focused marketing campaigns around specific areas and themes, including Christmas, food, music and culture.
“The visitor economy makes a huge contribution to the prosperity of Leeds and there is real potential for further growth,” says Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds, Lurene Joseph. “As well as creating hundreds of new jobs in the tourism sector, Leeds will be positioned on the national and international stage as a leading destination for short breaks, meetings and conferences.”
Gordon Jackson, GM of Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa and Chair of the Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, adds: “With the Leeds Arena and Trinity Leeds opening next year, the opportunities to grow the visitor economy are enormous. The city also has a great offer for business tourism and is the perfect destination for academic, professional and business conferences. The further we can spread this message, the better, and the funding will give a much greater reach and impact to our promotion of the city.”
James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, says: “The Regional Growth Fund money is a huge boost for tourism in England. This project enables our public and private sector partners to work together to stimulate tourism and grow jobs throughout the country.”
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