'First' tourism adverts planned

A £25m action plan designed to boost tourism in the West Midlands has been unveiled.

Advantage West Midlands said the scheme will include regional television advertisements to bring domestic visitors to the West Midlands.

Regional minister Ian Austin said £12m will go towards attracting new conferences, exhibitions and events.

The plan, also promoting short "city-breaks", was launched at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Up to £1m will also be spent on an event programme marking the region's wide range of anniversaries in 2009 as well as capitalising on the Olympics, ensuring people visiting Britain for the games travel to the West Midlands.

"We've got world-class attractions, first-class shopping, fantastic theatres and beautiful countryside here in the West Midlands," Mr Austin said.

"The downturn is having a real impact and our action plan sets out the real help we're providing to get the industry through the recession, with our first ever TV advertisements, a major campaign to attract more conferences and events and more city-breaks.

"I want to increase tourism in the region, make sure we bring more visitors to the West Midlands, boost our economy and create more jobs."