Local MP shows support for English Tourism Week

24th March 2023

As part of the local celebrations for English Tourism Week, Sir Gary Streeter, Member of Parliament for South West Devon visited the National Trust's Saltram Estate with Amanda Lumley, Chief Executive of Destination Plymouth and local Ward Councillor, Rebecca Smith, to show their support. 

This year's theme for English Tourism Week focuses on celebrating the 'amazing' businesses, experiences, history, places to stay, people, and memories. The annual campaign runs from 17 - 26 March and is designed to highlight the importance of the tourism industry to local economies. 

Saltram House is a Grade I listed Georgian mansion that sits within the wider Saltram Estate located in Plympton. Although parts of the house are much older, it underwent extensive alterations by the celebrated designer, Robert Adam, during the 18th Century. The house has featured in several productions, but most notably Ang Lee's 1995 version of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility which starred Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman.

Local MP. Sir Gary Streeter comments, "The Saltram Estate is a jewel in the crown for the whole of Plymouth and South West Devon. With its combination of a fascinating historic home and acres of beautiful woodland, it is easy to see why Saltram receives in excess of one million visitors each year. It was good to visit today and hear of the Saltram team's plans for the future."

VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes said: "With Spring upon us and the Easter break just ahead it is timely to shine the spotlight in the outstanding tourism offer here on our doorstep, and on an industry which supports millions of jobs and local economies right across England."

CEO of Destination Plymouth, Amanda Lumley adds, "Tourism and the wider visitor economy is hugely important not just to Plymouth bust also the wider Devon and South West region. In the city it supports just under 8,000 jobs with 5.2 million visitors annually making an economic impact of over £337 million. English Tourism Week is a great opportunity to celebrate our amazing people, heritage, culture and experiences and it is great to be here today showcasing Saltram House with Sir Gary Streeter MP and the National Trust team.