MPS visited venues in South Warwickshire hoping to see a surge in summer trade thanks to two very different reasons.
Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western tried his hand at bowling in Leamington ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, while Kenilworth and Southam MP Jeremy Wright visited The Holiday Inn in Kenilworth.
The visits, arranged by Shakespeare’s England, which markets and promotes tourism across South Warwickshire and the surrounding areas, highlighted the venues and attractions as part of English Tourism Week.
The VisitEngland led initiative is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, highlighting its economic importance to local economies and promoting the innovation, quality and range of products and services on offer to encourage more domestic breaks.
English Tourism Week, with ‘You’re Welcome’ as its strapline this year, is also sending a message that England’s tourism industry is ready to welcome visitors and provide a stand-out experience.
The Holiday Inn has re-opened after supporting the Government’s fight against Covid last year, accommodating families in need during the pandemic, while Leamington is preparing to host the bowling events of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Helen Peters, CEO of Shakespeare’s England, said: “These two venues are expecting very busy summers for very different reasons but both are key to the leisure and tourism offer in the area so we are hoping that they are very busy throughout.
“The tourism and leisure industry is vital to this region, so it is great to have support from our local MPs who fully understand the importance of a successful recovery after more than two years of strife across the sector.”
Matt Western, tried his hand at bowling under the watchful eye of Alistair Hollis, Bowls England’s head of sport development and B2022.
He said: “International focus is going to be on Birmingham 2022 and the bowling will not only highlight the very strong attractions of Leamington but will also support our hotels, guest houses and restaurants.
“Having had a go myself, I will be glad to merely be a spectator later this summer!”
Jeremy Wright said: “The Holiday Inn is a landmark property in the town and after serving a different purpose during much of the Covid crisis it is great to see it welcoming guests once again.”
