Local MP for North West Leicestershire, Andrew Bridgen has helped to celebrate the tourism industry in the county on 25 March 2017 as part of this year’s English Tourism Week.
Mr Bridgen visited the CONKERS visitor attraction to find out more about its exciting developments including the opening of a new 4D cinema. The English Tourism Week, which runs from 25 March to 2 April 2017, is a week-long national celebration of events showcasing the quality and vibrancy of the visitor experience, and the value of the local and English tourism industry.
Tourism is the third largest employer in England and locally, is one of the fastest-growing industries in Leicester and Leicestershire. Last year alone, the value of tourism to Leicester and Leicestershire grew for the seventh consecutive year to reach a record high of £1.675 billion. This is a 6.6 per cent rise on the previous year and a total increase of over 20 per cent since 2012. The industry supports 21,441 jobs in the city and county.
Mr Bridgen said: “Tourism is a thriving industry in North West Leicestershire and CONKERS has achieved great success as an award-winning visitor attraction that brings nationwide visitors to the area.
“I was delighted to accept the invitation to help celebrate English Tourism Week by hearing how CONKERS plans to develop its business further and how this will continue to raise the profile of the National Forest and surrounding area as a destination of choice for visitors.”
Chris Sturdy, Regional Operations Manager at CONKERS said: “Our visitor numbers have strengthened over the past two years with the introduction of our high and low ropes course, our programme of summer concerts and the Winter Wonderland event which last December saw over 10,000 visitors (mainly local families) enjoying a visit to our Waterside Centre and the Winter Wonderland set.
“The new 4D cinema will add a different dimension to our offer, providing another excellent indoor activity alongside the 120 acres of the Conkers outdoor adventures, explained Chris.
“We welcome Andrew Bridgen’s visit to Conkers and were delighted to give him a tour of the attraction which has become a key part of the National Forest’s tourism development programme.”
Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions added: “Tourism is a vital sector for economic growth in Andrew’s constituency of North West Leicestershire and for Leicester and Leicestershire as a whole. English Tourism Week is a great opportunity for MPs such as Andrew, along with tourism businesses, stakeholders, residents and most importantly, visitors, to showcase and celebrate all that’s great about local tourism.”
