Regeneration chief visits Dudley Zoo ahead of Tourism Week

English tourism makes up to 80 per cent of the UK's visitor economy and Dudley Council bosses are keen to encourage people to get out and support their local visitor economy once again.

Running from May 22 to 30, English Tourism Week highlights the vast contribution the sector makes to the UK economy.

On May 17, most attractions threw open their doors to include indoor facilities and catering. The borough’s tourism industry is expecting a boom summer as people opt to enjoy more local days out.

Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley Council's cabinet member elect for regeneration and enterprise, said: "Tourism is a vital sector for Dudley borough, and we are blessed to have so many wonderful attractions such as Dudley Zoo and Castle on our doorstep.

"As we return to normality, we want to remind residents of the many attractions and days out to be enjoyed here in Dudley borough.

"The sector is a major employer of school leavers and young people and in 2019 it generated over £100 billion and supported 2.6 million jobs in England."

Derek Grove, Dudley Zoo and Castle director, added: "Tourism is vitally important to the borough’s economy and especially at this time, when prolonged closures due to the covid pandemic have had such financial implications on the industry.

"Since reopening, it’s been lovely to welcome so many people back to our outdoor 40-acre attraction, where we have plenty of covid-secure measures in place for visitors to enjoy a safe and fun family day out.

"And many of these visitors have been coming back year-on-year, first as children then parents and now grandparents, forming part of their own family history with memories of days out at the zoo over our 84-year history. The ability of the tourist economy to generate these shared family memories is one that shouldn’t be underestimated."