Theresa May is encouraging Brits to take more staycations – just after returning from her own holiday in Switzerland
The PM said Brexit will create 'real opportunities for growth' in the UK's tourism industry
BREXIT will create "real opportunities for growth" in the UK's tourism industry, Theresa May has claimed.
But the Prime Minister is encouraging Brits to take more staycations - just after returning from her own holiday in Switzerland.
The Government has unveiled today the first set of winners to receive a share of a £40million fund designed to ensure the nation remains a "world-beating destination" for holidaymakers.
Ministers are also publishing a new Tourism Action Plan to propel the UK ahead of its competitors in the race to attract visitors.
Mrs May said the announcements, made ahead of the August bank holiday weekend, will help make it easier for people to travel beyond London and support the UK's "vitally important" tourism industry.
She arrived back in the UK on Wednesday, following a fortnight’s walking vacation in the Alps with her husband Philip.
The PM said: "The British people's decision to leave the European Union creates real opportunities for growth and we will work in close partnership with the tourism industry, to ensure it continues to thrive as negotiations on the UK's exit progress.
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"We are making it easier for visitors to travel beyond London and experience all of the world-class attractions the UK has to offer, to make sure the benefits of this thriving industry are felt by the many and not the few.
"We will make sure Britain is even more attractive, accessible and welcoming to visitors."
The first set of grants have gone to proposals from groups such as Golf Tourism England and the English Riviera Tourism Company.
Last year saw 36 million people visit the UK, spending £22.1billion, and the Government is hoping to build on the record-breaking success of 2015 with its new tourism blueprint.
Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said: "With world-class museums, fantastic heritage sites and stunning countryside the UK has a lot to offer tourists - from both home and abroad.
"Through the Discover England Fund and working with the industry, I look forward to helping further strengthen tourism outside London to ensure that growth from the sector is enjoyed right across the whole country."
