VisitEngland has launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign designed to boost domestic tourism in 2013 by promoting short breaks in some of England’s most beautiful rural locations.

The campaign is the fourth of six launching from January to March, covering the four key themes of countryside, coast, heritage and culture, funded in part by the government’s Regional Growth Fund.

The campaign focuses on how much England’s green and pleasant land has to offer to those looking to spend quality time with family and friends – from picturesque villages and inspiring landscapes, to historic market towns and cosy country pubs.
 
The campaign incorporates a range of national online, broadcast and print elements in partnership with network radio stations Classic FM and Gold FM, as well as The Guardian, Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday.

There is also a substantial programme of digital and social media activity, including Facebook competitions, video content, and a dedicated section on the official website.

James Berresford, VisitEngland chief executive, commented: “This exciting campaign is one of several launching this year with the aim of growing tourism in England.

“The campaign aims to inspire UK residents explore our green and pleasant land, and take a short break in one of England’s most beautiful rural destinations.

“This is a great example of the industry working in partnership to stimulate tourism and grow jobs throughout the country.”

This new marketing activity is part of VisitEngland’s three-year investment project called ‘Growing Tourism Locally’.

Funded by £19.8 million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, the project aims to generate £420 million in additional tourism spend over the 2012-15 period and inspire more UK residents to take more holidays and short breaks at home. 

The project aims to stimulate local employment to create jobs in the tourism sector by 9,100 over a three-year period to March 2015.