TOURISM is set play an increasingly important part in East Hampshire’s economy.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds and Petersfield Tourist Information Centre manager Graham Haynes believe the next few years could see tourism make a big contribution to the prosperity of the district.

Some of the attractions and entertainments the district has to offer could be seen at Petersfield Tourist Information Centre, inside Petersfield library, last Friday to mark English Tourism Week.

Mr Haynes, manager of the Petersfield tourist information hub which is funded by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC), said the event showed the breadth and variety of organisations which will draw visitors to the district over the next few years.

He said: “A lot of these businesses have got their new guides out for the coming year and we can see that the area has so much to offer.

“The South Downs National Park is a draw, next year we have the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, Chawton House is now opening six days a week, and Gilbert White’s House is extending.

“We are looking for people to come to East Hampshire and stay over for a couple of nights because there is so much for them to do here.

“If we can latch on to some of that and promote it well we can make the next two or three years really successful.”

Many of the district’s most prominent attractions attended the event, with stalls for the Watercress Line, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hollycombe Steam Fair, and Butser Ancient Farm.

They were joined by groups and organisations such as the Winton Players and Petersfield Theatre Group, Alton Chamber of Commerce, Alton Town Council, Grayshott Pottery, and Bedales Theatre.

Mr Hinds believes a healthy tourism industry is good news for the rest of the economy too, saying: “There’s a massive variety of attractions in East Hampshire. There’s lots for families in the area to do, you never need have a weekend without something to do here.

“An excellent tourist industry doesn’t just benefit the local attractions but it is also important for our pubs, shops and High Streets. Tourism is already an important part of our local economy and I’m sure it will become an increasingly important part of our future.”