TOURISM is booming across The Cotswolds, according to a newly published report which shows that during 2016 there were over 20 million days of visits to the area and total visitor-related business turnover was in excess of one billion pounds.

The report, compiled by the South West Research Company Ltd, also showed that tourism was responsible for 8 percent of employment across the wider area, with businesses in the Cotswold District Council area reaching as high as 15 percent of employment.

During 2016 tourists spent over £373 million on accommodation within the area, another £157 million on local attractions and entertainments, and about £100m on travel.

Other significant facts included the impact of tourism on local shopping and the food and drink sector with these being worth 18 percent and 22 percent of visitor spend respectively.

Reviewing the figures, Chris Jackson of Cotswolds Tourism Partnership commented: "This is a valuable report which underlines the importance of tourism to the economic well-being of the Cotswolds and for all sectors of the local economy to work together to promote tourism.

"The South West Research Company also looked at tourism patterns and it was interesting to note the 12 percent increase in overseas staying visitors with increased spend at 9 percent.

"Working with all local authorities across the wider Cotswolds area under the Cotswolds Tourism partnership, the tourism sector must continue to adapt to meet visitors’ needs now and for the future.

"The partnership needs to market and promote the area to show visitors the hidden gems and experiences visitors may not know about; this can spread visitors across the lesser known towns which will continue to stimulate the local economy into the future.

“We are lucky to live and work here and, with businesses expanding and diversifying all the time, it helps us promote the Cotswolds as a surprising destination.

"We know it takes a lot to beat the Cotswolds as a great holiday destination for all ages – we’ve got magnificent countryside to explore, charming market towns to visit, a rich heritage and history to investigate, diverse cultural attractions and top quality sporting facilities, and year-round events.

“Cotswolds Tourism Partnership will continue to work with Visit England and Visit Britain to promote the area through trade shows, media visits and social media, and if any businesses in the wider tourism sector wish to get involved with us see www.cotswolds.com/partnership"