Shropshire has record year for overseas tourists

The new figures show a six per cent increase compared to the previous year.

They were welcomed by Tourism Minister Tracey Crouch, on the day that the Prime Minister announced the Government's a new plan to boost tourism in regions outside of London.

Nationally, the UK welcomed record numbers of tourists in 2014, with 34.4 million people visiting our shores and spending a record £21.8 billion in destinations across the country.

Miss Crouch said: "Shropshire offers a great and varied mix of sights and experiences. It's fantastic that so many tourists visited the county in 2014.

"Competition for global travellers has never been higher, which is why we must not be complacent and continue to invest and support the UK's tourism. I look forward to working closely with the tourism sector to champion the best of Britain as part of our long-term economic plan and see places like Shropshire continue to enjoy a growing tourism industry."

Miss Crouch said the county would also benefit from the Government's investment in a £10 million fund that would benefit destinations across the north of England to help further increase visitor numbers and spending.

David Cameron today spoke of the need for a better co-ordinated tourism sector, and said Culture Secretary John Whittingdale would head up a new group also including ministers from the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Department for Food and Rural Affairs, the Foreign Office and the Department for Business.

Mr Cameron also said that improving training and jobs in the sector, cutting red tape and improving transport would also be priorities.

He said: "Millions of overseas tourists visit the UK every year and most take in the sights of London. But Britain has so much more to offer, from the Cornish Riviera to the Scottish Highlands and everything in between.

"For many areas tourism is a key industry bringing jobs, growth and security for working people. Tourism supports almost one in 10 jobs in the UK and we want to rebalance the economy to make sure this boost is felt right across the country."

Sally Balcombe, chief executive of VisitBritain, said: "International tourism is the UK's third largest service export and delivers economic benefits right across Britain – including jobs.

"Shropshire is a truly diverse destination with lots to do and see, so it's excellent news that more of our international visitors experienced the area last year."