Marketing Leeds to receive over £500,000 through VisitEngland fund to promote city tourism
Marketing Leeds has received over half-a-million pounds of funding through the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, which will allow it to grow spend on attracting visitors to the city.
The funding has been granted through the Growing Tourism Locally initiative being co-ordinated by VisitEngland, and it is claimed, will create more than 300 new jobs in Leeds.
A total of £19.8m will be invested through the programme, which aims to promote holidays within the UK, and creative 9,100 across England in doing so.
VisitEngland and Marketing Leeds will now work alongside hotels, travel companies and visitor attractions within the city to develop marketing activity around specific themes such as Christmas, food, music and culture.
James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, said: “The RGF money is a huge boost for tourism in England. This project enables our public and private sector partners to work together to stimulate tourism and ultimately grow jobs throughout the country, with particular emphasis on some local areas.
“This is a great time to launch and we hope that by riding on the crest of a wave of a successful London 2012 Olympic Games we will harness the swell of national pride and inspire Brits to take the home advantage and holiday at home this year and beyond.”
Lurene Joseph, chief executive of Marketing Leeds,added: “The visitor economy makes a huge contribution to the prosperity of Leeds and there is real potential for further growth. The funding is fantastic news both for Leeds and for the tourism businesses that help make our city the success it is.
“As well as creating hundreds of new jobs in the tourism sector, Leeds will be positioned on the national and international stage as a leading destination for short breaks, meetings and conferences.”