Government to spend �100 million to promote Britain as an international tourist destination.

Visit Devon has welcomed Government plans for a �100 million marketing programme to promote Britain as a major international tourism destination.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has announced that the Government is forming a partnership with VisitBritain as well as businesses in the tourism and travel sector to launch a global marketing campaign which could bring thousands of new visitors and major investment to Britain.

�100 million will be spent on a four-year campaign, with match funding being shared between the Government, VisitBritain and tourism businesses in the private sector.

The general manager of Visit Devon, Rosie Bates, says she is delighted that the Prime Minister is backing the tourism industry during these difficult economic times.

“Tourism in Devon is worth �2 billion to the local economy and the industry also employs an estimated 33,000 people in the county so new funding is vital to the future of a vibrant economy for Devon,” she said. “Visit Devon will be actively working with its partners in the county to maximize any new opportunities which will create new investment and jobs for the area.”

VisitBritain is hoping that the new international marketing campaign will capitalise on events which are being hosted in Britain such as the Royal Wedding, the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics games. The campaign could potentially deliver four million extra visitors to Britain, creating �2 billion of new investment and fifty thousand new jobs.

Apart from Government funding the private sector is expected to play a large role in supporting the project, companies such as British Airways and P & O have already joined the marketing partnership. VisitBritain is also seeking partners from businesses nationwide.

Rosie Bates says there will also be opportunities for Devon businesses to get involved in the marketing programme: “There will be opportunities for local businesses to play a part in the campaign, so anyone interested should contact Visit Devon and we can put them in touch with the relevant parties.”