Tourism key to East Hampshire economy

Tourism is set to play an increasingly important '¨part in East Hampshire's economy.
East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds with Graham Haynes at the Petersfield Tourist Information CentreEast Hampshire MP Damian Hinds with Graham Haynes at the Petersfield Tourist Information Centre
East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds with Graham Haynes at the Petersfield Tourist Information Centre

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds and Petersfield Tourist Information Centre manager Graham Haynes believe the next few years could see tourism make a big contribution to the prosperity of the district.

Some of the fantastic attractions and entertainments the district had to offer gathered at Petersfield Tourist Information Centre, at Petersfield Library recently to mark English Tourism Week.

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Mr Haynes, manager of the Petersfield TIC which is funded by East Hampshire District Council, said: ‘A lot of these businesses have got their new guides out for the coming year and we can see that the area has so much to offer.

‘The South Downs National Park is a draw and next year we have the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death.

‘We’re looking for people to come to East Hampshire and stay over for a couple of nights because there is so much for them to do here.

‘If we can latch on to some of that and promote it well we can make the next two 
or three years really successful.’

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Many of the district’s most prominent attractions attended the event, with stalls for the Watercress Line, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hollycombe Steam Fair and Butser Ancient Farm.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds said: ‘There’s a massive variety of attractions in East Hampshire.

‘There’s lots for families in the area to do, you never need have a weekend without something to do here.

‘An excellent tourist industry doesn’t just benefit the local attractions but it is also important for our pubs, shops and high streets.

‘Tourism is already an important part of our local economy and I’m sure it will become an increasingly important part of our future.’