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Cllr Ian Stephens, Chair of the Local Government Association's Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, responded to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee report on tourism.

"Councils have long recognised and supported the value of tourism to local growth, jobs and prosperity and the important part that this has played in the country's financial recovery.

"Local authorities and partners are best placed to know what will help local tourism grow and it is positive that this report has highlighted the need for the Government to better coordinate tourism funding for councils and businesses.

"It is vital that councils have the power and funding locally to support tourism and encourage growth through investing in culture and heritage, hosting major events, ensuring good transport facilities and maintaining clean, safe and attractive public spaces if we want to unlock the potential for further future growth."

Notes to editors

1. The LGA has called for devolved power and resources to local councils in our campaign 'Investing in Our Nation's Future: the first 100 days of the Next Government'. The full report is available here.
2. The tourism economy is the fifth largest industrial sector in the UK and one of the few experiencing strong growth, providing employment for 3.1 million people or nearly 10 per cent of the nation's jobs.
3. The LGA's research into fragmented funding for growth can be found here.

Contact

James Alexandre, Media Services Officer
Local Government Association
Telephone: 0207 664 3244
Email: james.alexandre@local.gov.uk
Media Office (out-of-hours contact): 020 7664 3333
Local Government House, Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ