Leisure and tourism
In 2000, the South West hosted a fifth of all tourism trips in England, surpassed only by London as a tourism destination. Visitor spending contributed over £5 billion to the regional economy, with tourism supporting around 225,000 jobs.
The nature and distribution of tourism has changed so that virtually all communities are now touched in some way by tourism.
More than 10,000 businesses are involved in the provision of accommodation and attractions in the region. Many others in the retail, catering and transport sectors rely on tourism spending.
A high proportion of those working in this sector do so part time.
Research* indicates that development drivers include:
- Competition from cheaper overseas destinations
- Rising demands for ‘experience’ tourism – the Eden Project and Tate St Ives already demonstrate potential in this area
- Raising quality standards
- The importance of the internet
* The State of the Key Sectors Research, Arthur D Little, SW Regional Development Agency 2004
The South West Regional Development Agency and South West Tourism is co-ordinating a Ten Year Action Plan for tourism in the region.
For more information about Leisure and Tourism and to search our Employer Directory please visit our new Graduate Toolkit.
Leisure and tourism news
- Bristol arena will not go ahead
- Official opening of The Exchange (Sturminster)
- Regeneration of Brixham Fish Market
- Gloucestershire post flood recovery campaign
