Tourism Minister visits Plymouth

Plymouth and Devon food producers showed off their wares at an event to celebrate the best the region has to offer.

Tourism Minister David Evennett met some of the areas most successful producers including representatives from Burts Potato Chips, Devon Hampers and Plymouth Tea at the event at the Plymouth Gin.

They were joined on Thursday by hospitality and tourism businesses such as Dartmoor Zoo, Pennywell Farm and the National Aquarium to celebrate the local industry.

The tourism and visitor economy is a key sector in Plymouth, making up 7 per cent of the city's employment and is worth 300 million to the local economy.

The event was hosted by Plymouth Gin, which attracts 18,000 visitors a year.

Tourism Minister David Evennett said: "Plymouth has a diverse and growing range of local food producers and I have been lucky enough to sample some of these during my visit.

"Tourism is hugely important to the city and I want to see more people travel beyond London and see the hidden gems across the whole country.

"Plymouth boasts a unique history, beautiful harbour and wonderful attractions and with Mayflower 400 on the horizon, local tourism can only go from strength to strength."

Duncan Currall chair of Destination Plymouth said: "Plymouth is a thriving, vibrant modern city by the sea. We have wonderful local food producers and the second largest fresh fish market in the UK and we have given the minister a flavour of what makes Plymouth such a dynamic city."