Rutland tourism ventures are predicting a bumper summer, though they admit many would-be visitors ask 'where's Rutland?'

It is English Tourism Week and this year's week is dedicated to showing support for tourism businesses and destinations across the sector as they reopen and start to rebuild.

Coordinated by VisitEngland and taking place from May 22 to 31, English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, highlighting its economic importance to local economies and promoting the innovation, quality and range of products and services on offer to encourage more domestic breaks.

It comes as the tourism agency's latest forecasts show that domestic tourism spending is estimated thisyear of £51.4 billion, just over half of the £91.6 billion in 2019.

But here in Rutland, members of the official tourism body, Discover Rutland, are confident that 2021 is going to be a booming year for businesses in the county.

Chairman Jason Allen who owns The Fox pub and The Paddock campsite in North Luffenham said: "In 2019, tourism was worth £142million to Rutland and we are quietly confident that, as an industry, we will start to see growth again this year.

"Tourism doesn't just positively impact direct tourism businesses, but the whole community, with secondary spend in retail, across small producers and agriculture."

And the county is not just restricting itself to one week of promotion, choosing instead to celebrate Rutland's diverse attractions throughout the summer and into autumn through wider media relations with the local and national press and targeted social media.

Ben Jones, who is co-owner of The Olive Branch and heads marketing for Discover Rutland explains: "When the country went into a tier system late last year, Rutland became a Tier 2 island, surrounded by Tier 3. We even became a meme, prompting people to ask "where's that?".

"Our research shows that "Where's Rutland" is a popular search term, so we're playing up to that this summer with a Where's Rutland campaign, starting with some of the things that makes Rutland an appealing place to visit, such as Oakham Castle, Aquapark and Rutland Cycling, with its extensive fleet of ebikes."

Across the county, Discover Rutland is hoping tourists and locals alike will rally to support the recovery of tourism in the county this summer.

Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton said: "Rutland is special. That's clear to see the second you arrive in our county – from the green rolling fields, to the tranquillity of Rutland Water, to our village pubs and the wonderful history and independent shops in Uppingham and Oakham.

"I'm so proud to be MP for Rutland, and hope that this English Tourism Week, we all encourage our friends and families to put Rutland at the top of their staycation list!"

To engage with Discover Rutland over English Tourism Week, you can tag them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or use the hashtag #DiscoverRutland

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: "Our annual event to celebrate and champion English tourism has never been more important, providing a timely opportunity to show the outstanding offer here on our doorstep as we head in to the critical summer season and to support local businesses and visitor attractions, who have lost months of vital trading, as they reopen and rebuild.

"Millions of jobs and local economies rely on tourism and businesses and destinations have been working flat-out, innovating and adapting to safely welcome visitors back and making sure they have a great experience. They will be very pleased to see you."

For more information visit www.discover-rutland.co.uk