British tourism leaders have launched a campaign to ensure that all parties recognise the contribution of tourism to the economy on the run up to the next general election.

The Campaign for Tourism was launched by 33 leading UK tourism bodies including organisations from all aspects of the tourism industry such as attractions, historic houses, heritage sites, B&Bs, hotels and restaurants.

The campaign will see letters distributed to all major political parties underlining the fact that tourism wasn’t mentioned in any of the UK parties political manifestoes at the last General Election.

Signed by associations such as Tourism Alliance, British Hospitality Association and Merlin Entertainments, the letters aim to trigger debate and highlight opportunities for the government to improve the industry’s international competitiveness.

Sir David Michels, president of the Tourism Alliance said: “The growth in tourism spend to £134 billion in 2012 supported another 180,000 jobs, more than one in three new jobs in the UK. Politicians need to acknowledge and act on this in developing manifestos for the next election. They must include tourism-specific policies and positions to maximise the true potential of this great industry.”

“Tourism is a huge contributor to the UK economy and one of the UK’s leading growth industries employing nearly three million people.”