Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is today calling for a strategy to boost tourism in the North of England. On the eve of the Northern Futures Summit in Leeds, the Lib Dems say that, Mr Clegg is responding to ideas put forward by the public some of which include developing a plan to attract more tourists to the North of England.
Nick Clegg says he wants tourists to make the most of the stunning countryside, history and culture that the North of England has to offer. As part of his announcement he is making £10m of government money available to back proposals for a clear strategy for boosting tourism in the North.
At present London has 4.5 times more international visitors than the North of England as a whole, while Scotland as twice as many tourists as Yorkshire or the entire North West.
Commenting Nick Clegg said: "It’s absurd that our great North is missing out on visitors when it boasts such stunning countryside, history and culture. Through the Northern Futures project, I asked people what our Northern cities needed in order to compete globally, and to grow."
"Your resounding call is clear - a strong Northern future relies on putting the North back on the map: a top tourist destination. From next year, I’m putting funding in place for there to be a clear strategy for tourism in the North, bringing harmony to the current offer from 29 individual tourism boards into one great offer." Mr Clegg added.
