A new tourism partnership promoting how the District of Blaby is a great place to visit has launched at the Leicester Marriott Hotel in Enderby.
MPs for the area Alberto Costa and Edward Argar joined Leader of Blaby District Council Councillor Terry Richardson and other guests at the Marriott to officially launch the partnership, which is supported by local businesses across the district.
Working with Leicestershire Promotions Limited, Blaby District Council’s partnership will see it commit to develop a Tourism Plan which aims to increase local tourism, boost the economy and make information about attractions in the district more widely available
With Fosse Shopping Park drawing over eight million visitors a year, Meridian Leisure, one of the most popular out-of-town entertainment destinations in Leicestershire and three major hotel chains in the centre of the district, tourism to the local area boosts employment opportunities and drives the local economy.
Just a few miles south in the district’s rural heartland, over 3,000 people are expected to visit the district in April, as local BMX club the Leicester Huncote Hornets will be hosting two rounds of the 2018 British Cycling BMX National Championships at their European-standard track in Huncote. Stoney Cove, the UK’s National Diving Centre in Stoney Stanton also attracts thousands of visitors to the district every year, along with venues such as Kirby Castle and Stanton Lakes.
Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said: “I am really delighted to support the launch of Blaby District Council’s new Tourism Partnership. I know the District Council have been working very closely with some brilliant local businesses to bring this partnership to fruition.
“While I’m proud to say that the District already attracts millions of visitors a year, their ambitious tourism plan will draw even more visitors to the area and will place Blaby firmly on the tourism map.”
Edward Argar, MP for Charnwood, said: “”It is great to see Blaby District Council taking such a strong lead in promoting all that is best about our area at this event to launch the new Tourism Partnership for Blaby.
“The partnership and the Tourism Plan it will develop represents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the amazing landscape, tourist attractions, events and heritage that make Leicestershire and Blaby so special, and such a great place to visit.”
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “The District of Blaby truly is the heart of Leicestershire. We are fortunate to have some of the largest businesses in the country based here, fantastic retail opportunities, great places to stay, as well as some beautiful open spaces.
“This Tourism Partnership will boost not only the economy, but help to promote some of our lesser-known attractions to the benefit of businesses and local residents.”
Jo Dempster, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Leicester Marriott Hotel and Chair of the Tourism Partnership said: “Following a lot of partnership activity and discussions over the last few months, it’s a great step that the Blaby Tourism Plan has launched.
“This is the start of a very exciting time for the district, its residents and visitors to the area. We look forward to the opportunities the plan will bring.”
The new website has joined with businesses from across the district and includes information on the biggest attractions, heritage sites and places to stay for people visiting the area. For full details visit www.exploreblaby.co.uk.