Shakespeare country supports British Tourism Week

South Warwickshire Tourism (SWT) will be supporting the first ever British Tourism Week which takes place from 12 – 18 March to raise national awareness of the size, value and importance of Britain's £74 billion visitor economy.

A host of activities and events are being organised nationwide to help raise awareness, and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has agreed to be the Patron for the series of events. His support is further evidence of the critical importance of tourism to the UK economy and of our royal heritage to the tourism industry.

South Warwickshire is one such area which recognises how vital tourism is to the local economy. Statistics published in July 2006 by the Heart of England Tourist Board show that in 2004 Warwickshire received 11.8 million visitors generating £599 million of economic benefit. 15,840 people are employed within tourism which accounts for 10% of all employment in Warwickshire.

To support British Tourism Week, SWT will be exhibiting at the British Travel Trade Fair from 13 - 14 March at the NEC which is one of the national events at the centrepiece of British Tourism Week. SWT will be promoting Shakespeare Country and what it has to offer to group travel organisers.

In addition SWT will be offering two great prizes featuring a host of tickets to top attractions in the area. Each package includes a family ticket to Blenheim Palace, Compton Verney, Hatton Farm Village, Heritage Motor Centre, Mary Arden’s house, Mill Dene Gardens and the Stratford Butterfly Farm. The package is worth approximately £150 and includes admission for 2 adults and 2 children.

To stand a chance of winning one of these great prizes, you must visit either the Tourist Information Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon or Leamington Spa to enter the competition. The two winning forms will be drawn on the 19 March when the winners will be notified.

Phil Hackett, Chief Executive at SWT stated, “We are delighted to support British Tourism Week which we recognise as being fundamental in raising awareness of the tourism visitor economy. Shakespeare Country is a prime example of an area where tourism is vital, not only to our local economy but to the thousands of people who work within our industry”.

For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information visit the official website: shakespeare-country.co.uk.

Contact the Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa Tourist Information Centre’s for discounted tickets for Warwick Castle, Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds, Shakespearience and Blenheim Palace.