Residents encouraged to explore their local area this English Tourism Week

This week attractions around the country will be celebrating English Tourism Week – which highlights the importance, value and vast contribution of the tourism sector to the UK economy.

Tourism contributes over £250 million annually to the local economy in Babergh and Mid Suffolk and the councils are encouraging residents to visit some of the exciting visitor attractions on their doorstep.

The region is known for many famous artists – like Gainsborough and Constable – who bring thousands of visitors to explore the landscape every year.

There are also exciting places to visit like the Food Museum, Quay Theatre or the Suffolk Food Hall as well as the popular markets in Sudbury, Stowmarket and Hadleigh.

Throughout the year, the area welcomes a number of festivals such as Prima Donna Festival, in Stowmarket, and the Taste of Sudbury Food and Drink Festival.

English Tourism Week comes just after both cabinets at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils agreed proposals for a dedicated cultural, heritage and visitor economy strategy.

The strategy outlines a long-term vision to support the cultural, heritage and visitor economy sectors and identify objectives to support the industry. One of the main aims of the strategy is to support residents to live full cultural lives to build cultural confidence and civic pride

John Ward, Babergh District Council leader and cabinet member for Economic Growth, said: “We are lucky to have some very unique cultural and visitor attractions in the region and I would encourage residents to explore what is on their doorstep over English Tourism Week. The launch of the cultural, heritage and tourism strategy means we will be able to support this important sector for many years to come.”

The strategy will create a sustainable, resilient Culture, Heritage and Visitor Economy Sector that champions the region’s distinctive qualities; and support the Culture, Heritage and Visitor sectors to work collaboratively with neighbouring organisations, districts and counties to trial new approaches.

Harry Richardson, Mid Suffolk District Council deputy leader and cabinet member for Economic Growth added: “We are at a very exciting time for the cultural, heritage and tourism industry in the districts as the action plan for the new strategy starts to take shape. While it is important that we continue to promote our many events and attractions to visitors – we also want to encourage residents to enjoy their local area and support local tourism businesses.”

For more information please visit: www.babergh,gov.uk or www.midsuffolk.gov.uk