English Tourism Week

Categories:: Cultural
Tags:: Activities Appreciation
Where:: United Kingdom
Date change rule:: Every March 18 through 27
Holiday emoji:: 🇬🇧

English Tourism Week spotlights the immense value of England’s tourism sector each year, running from March 18 to 27. This annual celebration showcases the industry’s crucial contribution to the U.K. economy and local communities. Explore England’s diverse attractions, support local businesses, and share your favorite travel experiences.

Deals
Platforms
Social
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Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected English Tourism Week Deals

English Tourism Week focuses on recognizing and supporting the industry rather than consumer deals, but many attractions and hospitality businesses offer special promotions. Expect local hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses to highlight special packages or discounts during the week. Many heritage sites, museums, and galleries, such as the National Trust and English Heritage properties, may host special events or offer reduced entry. Independent shops and restaurants in popular tourist destinations often run promotions to encourage local support. Look for special offers from tour operators like Original London Sightseeing Tour or regional travel providers. We will update this page with confirmed live offers and events as March 2027 approaches.

Platform Guide for English Tourism Week

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #EnglishTourismWeek. Highlight the economic impact of tourism or share success stories from local businesses.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #EnglishTourismWeek. Share news, industry insights, and calls to action supporting the sector.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EnglishTourismWeek. Post stunning visuals of English landscapes, historic sites, or vibrant city scenes, encouraging exploration.

English Tourism Week Hero

Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook (1808–1892) was a British businessman who founded the travel agency Thomas Cook & Son, pioneering the modern package holiday. His first excursion in 1841 organized a train trip for temperance advocates, laying the groundwork for mass tourism. Cook's innovations made travel accessible to a wider public, significantly shaping the English and global tourism industry.

History of English Tourism Week

In 1970, the Statutes for the observance of World Tourism Day on September 27 was adopted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (U.N.W.T.O.). The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. The objective of this day is to raise awareness of the role of tourism within the international community and to show how it affects social, cultural, political, and economic values worldwide.

In 2017, the theme of the day was ‘Sustainable Tourism.’ In 2018, the theme was ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation.’ In 2019, the theme was ‘Tourism and Jobs: a Better Future For All’ and in 2020, the theme was ‘Tourism and Rural Development.’ The 2021 theme was ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth.’

At its 12th Session in Istanbul in October 1997, the U.N.W.T.O. General Assembly resolved to nominate a host country each year to function as the organization’s partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day. However, at its 15th Session in Beijing, China, in October 2003, the Assembly agreed that World Tourism Day festivities will be held in the following geographic order: Europe in 2006, South Asia in 2007, the Americas in 2008, Africa in 2009, and the Middle East in 2011.

In 2009, the late Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi, a Nigerian national, was recognized for proposing the idea of marking September 27 of every year as World Tourism Day. Blue is the official color of World Tourism Day.

English Tourism Week timeline

1997

U.N.W.T.O. Designates a Host Country

At its 12th Session in Istanbul, Turkey, the U.N.W.T.O. General Assembly designates a host country each year to act as the organization's partner in the celebration of World Tourism Day.

1980

The U.N.W.T.O. Declares World Tourism Day

The United Nations World Tourism Organization marks September 27 as the day for celebrating world tourism.

2003

World Tourism Day Geographic Order

At its 15th Session in Beijing, China, the Assembly decides to follow a geographic order for World Tourism Day celebrations.

2009

Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi is Recognized

The U.N.W.T.O. recognizes Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi, a Nigerian national, as the person who proposed the idea of marking September 27 of every year as World Tourism Day.

How Businesses Can Celebrate English Tourism Week

Local businesses, from independent shops to hospitality venues, can actively participate in English Tourism Week by highlighting their unique offerings and contribution to the local visitor economy. Restaurants can feature regionally sourced ingredients, while hotels can promote special staycation packages. Retailers can showcase products made in England or collaborate with local attractions. All businesses should use #EnglishTourismWeek in their promotions to amplify the message and draw attention to the vital role tourism plays in their community.

English Tourism Week FAQs

When is English Tourism Week?

In 2027, English Tourism Week will be observed from Thursday, March 18 through Saturday, March 27, encouraging everyone to explore and support England’s diverse visitor attractions.

What is the economic impact of English tourism?

The tourism sector in England is projected to further strengthen in 2027, with domestic tourism remaining a key component alongside a steady increase in international arrivals. It’s a vital industry for local economies nationwide.

How many people visit England each year?

England consistently ranks among the top global tourist destinations. For 2027, the country anticipates welcoming a similar influx of visitors, with particular interest in its heritage sites, national parks, and diverse culinary scene.

Who organizes English Tourism Week?

The initiative for English Tourism Week in 2027 will again be led by VisitEngland, working closely with stakeholders across the hospitality, attractions, and transport sectors to highlight the industry’s value and encourage public engagement.

English Tourism Week Activities

Use the week as an opportunity to build connections
Use English Tourism Week as an opportunity to build connections with your local destination management organization. Get in touch to see what they’re doing to support English Tourism Week. This could be putting out a press release to round up local English Tourism Week events.
Nominate your favorite person for ‘Tourism Superstar’
The finalists are featured by “The Mirror” and other local media. There are several awards to be won and other valuable benefits in the program.
Plan an offer or event to support
Your event doesn’t have to match the English Tourism Week theme. You can amplify your reach and engage more audiences by joining the English Tourism Week marketing campaign.

5 Flying Facts About Tourism

80% of the U.K.’s Economy
Making up 80% of the U.K.’s visitor economy, English tourism in 2019 generated over £100 billion and supported 2.6 million jobs.
Tourism generates over £106 billion every year
Tourism is one of England’s largest industries, usually generating more than £106 billion a year for the English economy.
VisitEngland has over 27,000 member businesses
More than 27,000 businesses across England have signed up to VisitEngland’s ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard and consumer mark.
World Tourism Day has a geographic order
At its 15th Session in Beijing, China, in October 2003, the U.N.W.T.O. Assembly created a geographic order for the celebration of World Tourism Day.
The Prince of Wales is the patron
His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales is English Tourism Week’s patron, and the event is managed by VisitEngland and the E.T.W. Executive Committee.

Why We Love English Tourism Week

It encourages local visitor attractions
English Tourism Week features ‘The Big Weekend’ event, which encourages local visitor attractions to offer free tickets to residents. The goal is to turn locals into better-informed ambassadors for their county, meaning they can recommend great things to see and do to visiting friends and family.
It features the annual Tourism Superstar competition
The annual Tourism Superstar competition is held in partnership with “The Mirror” newspaper. It helps showcase the amazing people who work on tourism’s frontline. Every year, 10 finalists compete to be crowned the ‘Tourism Superstar.’
It features event listings
To mark English Tourism Week, every year, VisitEngland dedicates a section of its website to the many B2C and B2B events and offers held by tourism businesses across the country. These include anything from money offers, free cups of tea, and one-off-themed guided tours.

English Tourism Week dates

Year	Date	Day
2027	March 18–27	Thursday–Saturday
2028	March 18–27	Saturday–Monday
2029	March 18–27	Sunday–Tuesday
2030	March 18–27	Monday–Wednesday
2031	March 18–27	Tuesday–Thursday