Photo - Alan Mak MP meets General Manager of The Langstone, Clint Marsh
Havant MP Alan Mak has visited The Langstone Hotel on Hayling Island as part of his support for English Tourism Week. Mr Mak joined hundreds of other MPs taking part in Tourism Constituency Day on Friday 11th March to show his support for the valuable contribution that tourism makes to the local economy.
Mak was shown around The Langstone Hotel by its General Manager, Clint Marsh. With unrivalled views of the harbour, a full programme of facilities including a gym and a salon, and easy access to the beachfront and amusement park on Hayling Island, the hotel stands out as one of the pre-eminent accommodation providers in the area.
Mr Mak was keen to support a tourist industry that provides a wealth of jobs and income locally. Running from 5th – 13th March, English Tourism Week, organised by Visit England, looks to celebrate a sector that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates £82 billion a year for communities around the country.
This is particularly true of the local area; tourism is worth £12.3 billion annually to the South East, more than Scotland and Wales combined. The tourist industry is worth over £160 million to the Havant and Hayling area per annum, with the local tourist board hoping to increase these figures by encouraging more staying visitors to Hayling and Emsworth.
Following his tour, Mak said: “Our area is popular with visitors from across Britain and around the world, and the Langstone Hotel plays a key role in offering them a warm welcome. Clint and his team have some terrific ideas about how can they can promote this vital local industry. I was delighted to view refurbished bedrooms, the excellent leisure centre and the popular bar and restaurant.”
The Havant MP added: “Our tourist economy is faring better than ever. Havant boasts a wealth of excellent hotels and guesthouses, key attractions such as Funland Amusement Park on Hayling Island, and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. I’ll continue working with local businesses and councillors to keep our area a popular holiday destination.”
Langstone Hotel General Manager Clint Marsh said: “I was delighted to welcome Alan along to see our hotel facility, one of the premier destination for tourists in this area. We are working hard to ensure that Hayling and Havant are attractive places to visit all year-round.”
Mr Marsh added: “It is great to see Alan, along with MPs up and down the country, show their support for English Tourism Week. Ahead of what is sure to be another busy summer season around the corner, I am pleased to see Alan recognise the important role that businesses such as The Langstone Hotel play in the wider economy and community in Havant.”