VisitEngland, the national tourist board, launched the first ever English Tourism Week with the exciting news that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will be the event’s Patron for the next year.

English Tourism Week is designed to raise the profile and importance of tourism and showcase the value of the industry to local communities and to the national economy. The week began 10 March with a “Wonderful Weekend” when attractions, accommodation providers and tourism operators across the country will be putting on special events and activity aimed at reminding local residents of the fantastic wealth of tourism experiences on their doorstep.

Lady Cobham, Chairman of VisitEngland, commented:
“We are delighted and honoured that His Royal Highness has agreed to assume patronage of English Tourism Week. England has a fantastic and diverse tourism product, of which we can all be incredibly proud, and the industry contributes £97billion to our economy. With the generous support of The Prince of Wales, we hope this week-long celebration will inspire people to become tourism ambassadors for their local area.”

From theme parks and stately homes to tea rooms and local museums, operators up and down the country are gearing up to celebrate English Tourism Week. Planned activity ranges from special guided walks in the Peak District covering Chatsworth and the Derwent Valley, to free watercolour taster sessions against the inspiring backdrop of the Norfolk Broads. Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire is kicking off its 2012 season during English Tourism Week with a host of new attractions, and The Jerwood Gallery in Hastings opens its doors for the first time on 17 March.