Mail Column
Tourism is growing in importance for the British economy. A recent survey showed that the industry is worth about £115 billion to the British economy and supports close to 3 million jobs. It is forecast to grow quite markedly in the next decade, to about 9 per cent of the entire British economy. It is also the third biggest provider of export earners, behind chemicals (which is another thing that the North East- and Teesside in particular- does well) and financial services. The tourist trade really brings the pounds in from foreign visitors.
Tourism is becoming increasingly important for our towns economy too. Hartlepool has changed its image quite remarkably over the past ten years. The Maritime Experience and the Trincomalee, together with the Museum of Hartlepool, are some of the biggest tourist attractions in the North East. These arent the only things on offer for the visitor. We have important Christian history and heritage with St Hildas Church, second in importance, arguably, to Durham Cathedral. We also have beaches at Seaton Carew that have been cleaned up considerably in recent years. The Marina offers great opportunities for boating and water sports. The restaurants that are on the Marina are also offering high quality to visitors. All of these attractions bring visitors, money and importantly jobs for people in the town.
Hartlepool is also a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the North East. Its very central within the region, meaning that its a good place to explore Northumberland and Durham to the North, and York to the South. I would prefer more hotels in the town to take advantage of our position, because I think this would create more employment opportunities, as well as helping other related businesses like conference organisers and catering firms.
The town has a huge opportunity later this year with Tall Ships. I hope it works well, and showcases the town in a good light. I would hope that theres a lasting legacy following the weekend in August, rather than just a spectacle for four days. I think the whole town wants the event to do well.
I think us Hartlepudlians tend to take our town for granted, but if you step back and think about what we have to offer, it truly is astonishing. On the website of Destination Hartlepool it says we are a remarkable little town with a surprisingly big history, and I dont think thats a bad description of Hartlepool at all. Tourism is not the be all and end all, but it is a big part of what Hartlepool does in the modern day.
All of Westminster is in a state of shock and sadness at the untimely death of Ashok Kumar, who was a Member of Parliament in Teesside. He was only 53 years old. Ashok was a lovely man, who cared very deeply for his constituents and was respected throughout the House of Commons as a great constituency Member of Parliament. His recent battles over Corus demonstrated his determination to fight for his area. His background in science and the chemical industry on Teesside meant that he was an ideal champion for businesses in our area, because he really knew the industry inside out. I knew him long before I became an MP, and he was as nice and decent when I first met him as he was when I saw him last week. I wish we had more MPs like Ashok. My deepest sympathies go to his family.
Tourism is becoming increasingly important for our towns economy too. Hartlepool has changed its image quite remarkably over the past ten years. The Maritime Experience and the Trincomalee, together with the Museum of Hartlepool, are some of the biggest tourist attractions in the North East. These arent the only things on offer for the visitor. We have important Christian history and heritage with St Hildas Church, second in importance, arguably, to Durham Cathedral. We also have beaches at Seaton Carew that have been cleaned up considerably in recent years. The Marina offers great opportunities for boating and water sports. The restaurants that are on the Marina are also offering high quality to visitors. All of these attractions bring visitors, money and importantly jobs for people in the town.
Hartlepool is also a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the North East. Its very central within the region, meaning that its a good place to explore Northumberland and Durham to the North, and York to the South. I would prefer more hotels in the town to take advantage of our position, because I think this would create more employment opportunities, as well as helping other related businesses like conference organisers and catering firms.
The town has a huge opportunity later this year with Tall Ships. I hope it works well, and showcases the town in a good light. I would hope that theres a lasting legacy following the weekend in August, rather than just a spectacle for four days. I think the whole town wants the event to do well.
I think us Hartlepudlians tend to take our town for granted, but if you step back and think about what we have to offer, it truly is astonishing. On the website of Destination Hartlepool it says we are a remarkable little town with a surprisingly big history, and I dont think thats a bad description of Hartlepool at all. Tourism is not the be all and end all, but it is a big part of what Hartlepool does in the modern day.
All of Westminster is in a state of shock and sadness at the untimely death of Ashok Kumar, who was a Member of Parliament in Teesside. He was only 53 years old. Ashok was a lovely man, who cared very deeply for his constituents and was respected throughout the House of Commons as a great constituency Member of Parliament. His recent battles over Corus demonstrated his determination to fight for his area. His background in science and the chemical industry on Teesside meant that he was an ideal champion for businesses in our area, because he really knew the industry inside out. I knew him long before I became an MP, and he was as nice and decent when I first met him as he was when I saw him last week. I wish we had more MPs like Ashok. My deepest sympathies go to his family.