Tourist businesses in the Burnham-On-Sea area could enjoy a bumper summer season as cash-strapped Brits take holidays in the UK rather to save money, it has been claimed this week.
Conservative parliamentary candidate James Heappey made the comments during a visit to Burnham to mark the start of English Tourism Week.
He met several hardy visitors braving the chilly weather and also talked to local traders about their hopes for the season ahead.
He visited BIARS (Burnham Information and Rescue Support), which runs Burnham’s tourist centre, where he heard about the many tourist attractions in the area and the area’s continued popularity with visitors from Wales and the Midlands.
He also called in at the Royal Clarence Hotel, now under new management, as reported here last week where owner Paul Chatwin said bookings are healthy.
Mr Heappey told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Tourism is the lifeblood for so many businesses across Somerset. People in the industry seem hopeful that with an increasing number of Brits choosing to save money and holiday in the UK, this year should be one of the best.”
“It’s important that politicians of all persuasions – at local and national level – make our tourism industry a priority for their support. I look forward to working closely with those in the industry over the coming years to promote tourism in Somerset nationally and internationally.”
Cheddar Gorge and Caves are one of the many local tourist attractions participating in English Tourism Week, offering Somerset residents a 50% discount on entry this week.
