The minister for tourism and heritage, John Penrose, has officially launched the first ever English Tourism Week, to be held between 10 and 18 March 2012.

Organised by VsitEngland, the event is designed to raise the profile and importance of tourism with politicians and decision makers as well as consumers - especially within the UK domestic market.

The event will provide a national framework around which local destinations and operators can build their own campaigns.

Announcing the launch at the Annual National Conference of Visitor Attractions (VAC), John Penrose urged the industry to get involved in the campaign that takes place "during the most exciting year for tourism".