UK looks to woo Indian, Chinese travellers to boost its economy

Stakeholders in the UK tourism sector must sell Britain to the growing consumer base from emerging countries such as India, China, and Brazil, according to British Culture Minister Maria Miller.

Delivering a speech in London earlier this week, Miller said that the UK tourism sector must be innovative and competitive to reap the benefits of an “incredible year”, which saw Britain at the centre of the global stage.

Miller called 2012 “incredible” because the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic Games put the UK at the focus of world attention.

The events saw record tourist spend of £598m in August 2012, up 9% from last year.

But Miller warned that the industry cannot be complacent in the face of increasing international competition.

The UK has launched its ambitious campaign -- GREAT campaign – which aims to showcase the very best of what Britain has to offer, and why the country is “a fantastic place to visit, study and do business,” she said.

“Alongside our campaigns we are also working hard across government to reduce any perceived barriers to tourism,” Miller said. “To make clear that not only is Britain a great place to experience but also a great place to visit. To create the right conditions for both inward and outward tourism to thrive.”