Britain unveils new plan to boost tourism

British Prime Minister David Cameron announced a new five-point plan on Friday to boost tourism across the country.

The new plan will focus on five key areas, including a better co-ordinated sector, skills and jobs, common sense regulation, transport and an improved welcome.

A group, headed by John Whittingdale, Secretary of State for culture, media and sport, and including ministers from other departments of the government, will be formed to support the new plan.

"I am delighted to chair this new group which will put tourism at the heart of government and help to ensure that every part of the UK benefits by co-ordinating action across government. We want every visitor to the UK, whether from home or abroad, to have a brilliant experience and shout about it, encouraging even more tourists to choose Britain," said Whittingdale.

Meanwhile, Cameron also announced a one-million-pound (1.56 million U.S. dollars) competition on Friday, calling for ideas to transform the travel experience for visitors travelling by rail in Britain and make exploring Britain by train more attractive to tourists. Winners of the competition will receive funding to develop their ideas and carry out trials.

"Millions of overseas tourists visit the UK every year and most take in the sights of London. But Britain has so much more to offer, from the Cornish Riviera to the Scottish Highlands and everything in between," Cameron said.

"For many areas, tourism is a key industry bringing jobs, growth and security for working people. Tourism supports almost one in 10 jobs in the UK and we want to rebalance the economy to make sure this boost is felt right across the country," he added.

Statistics showed the tourism sector contributed almost 60 billion pounds to Britain's economy in 2014, nearly four percent of the entire economy. Overseas visitors spent a record 21.8 billion pounds in local economies across Britain. (1 pound = 1.56 U.S. dollars) Endit