English Tourism Week, which takes place from 5th – 13th March, is an annual celebration showcasing England’s tourism industry and the value it brings to the country.

Tourism is the third largest employer in England, supporting 2.6 million jobs, contributing £106 billion a year to the economy, and supporting thousands of supplier businesses including farming, transport, retail, sport, arts and culture, heritage and more.

The idea of English Tourism Week is to fire the starting gun on the main tourist season, helping to raise awareness of the delights of England to overseas visitors as well as local people, boost the profile of the industry as a leading employer and provide a national framework for destinations, businesses and organisations to promote their tourist offering.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is patron of English Tourism Week and in a letter of support for the initiative he said: “Tourism is a crucial part of our economy and so now, more than ever, we must celebrate and promote the remarkable and unique national assets which are prized around the world and which make England one of the most popular holiday destinations.”

During English Tourism Week, there will be numerous events taking place, such as guided tours and walks, exhibitions, fairs, concerts and sporting fixtures. This year, some of the highlights include the opportunity to visit the Duke of Wellington’s London home Apsley House; a celebration of William Shakespeare; the first National Trust Children’s Book Festival and a major Food Festival in The Lake District.

“2016 looks set to be an exciting year for tourism, as more people than ever arrive from overseas to visit England’s famous attractions and to celebrate a number of high profile events,” says Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism. “From the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare to Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday, we are gearing up for a busy few months, and English Tourism Week is the perfect way to start the season.”

To find out more about the events taking place in English Tourism Week, click here. Whatever your interests – from food and drink to sport and adventure – if you would like Janet Redler Travel & Tourism to put together a tailor made tour of England for you, contact us today.