Brexit vote helps boost tourism across Midlands

THE West Midlands saw the biggest rise in visitors enjoying overnight stays as figures revealed English tourism is booming – possibly because of the decision to quit the European Union.

Tourism is thriving in part due to holidaymakers who are taking advantage of the falling pound following the EU referendum vote and spending more while in the UK. A growing trend for “staycations” among Britons is also helping to fuel the upsurge.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said councils that harness new powers given to them through devolution stand to gain the most from the growing industry.

The West Midlands saw the biggest increase in overnight trips – up 22%, followed by Yorkshire at 20%, and London and the South West both at 14%, according to the LGA.

Ian Stephens, chairman of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport board, said: “Councils have long recognised, and supported, the value of tourism to local growth, jobs and prosperity, which the devolution agenda should be primed to exploit.

“The tourist economy is one of the UK’s fastest growing economic sectors and councils have the opportunity to align their devolved responsibilities to improve their tourism offer to best showcase their unique identity and heritage.”

He said decisions about how to boost tourism “are best taken at the local level”, adding that the Government should “keep up the momentum on agreeing devolution proposals to further boost tourism-led growth and transform local economies”.