East Midlands Tourism (EMT) is to host a special trip for German tour operators as part of its long term goal to increase overseas visitor numbers to the region. EMT has set itself the target of increasing overseas visitor spend by �52 million over the next three years and Germany has been identified as a key target market to support this.

The fact-finding trip, organised by East Midlands Tourism in conjunction with Hidden England, Leicester Shire Promotions and Lincolnshire Tourism, with support from the region's tourism businesses, will provide the group with a unique opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of the visitor experience on offer in the region.

A highlight of the trip will be a special dinner at historic Belvoir Castle including a champagne reception with the Duchess of Rutland. Other highlights on the tour include Burghley House, the Grainstore Brewery, a micro brewery producing local beers, Lincoln Cathedral and Hemswell Antiques Centre. The group will stay at Grantham's historic Angel & Royal Hotel, reputed to be Britain's oldest inn and beneficiary of a recent �2m refurbishment.

"Overseas visitors are vital to the development of tourism in this region and Germany is one of our key growth markets so it is important that we reach and influence the key decision makers in its tourist industry," commented east midlands tourism's chief executive, Richard Dickinson. "I can think of no better way of doing that than showing them how much the region has to offer in terms of our heritage and scenic beauty."

The initiative has also been praised by the German office of VisitBritain, the UK's national tourism body. Grischa Zeller commented: "Tour operators, a vital audience for the UK tourism industry, can fuel visitor growth only when they include a region and its attractions within package tours. That's why initiatives such as this are so vital in increasing visitor numbers. Just one tour operator who chooses to feature the region can bring in thousands of overseas holidaymakers."

This trip is part of a wider initiative to build engagement with overseas markets identified as key growth areas these include France, the Netherlands, Belgium and America.

The German guests will be in the region on the 26th and 27th February prior to attending the annual British Travel Trade Fair at Birmingham, one of the biggest shows for the tourism industry.

For more information please contact: Bernadette McAndrew, Communications Manager, East Midlands Tourism. Tel: 0115 988 8365. Email: bernadettem@emd.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. East Midlands Tourism was established in April 2004 by East Midlands Development Agency to improve skills, quality standards and the value and competitiveness of the tourism industry.

2. East Midlands Tourism works with five Destination Management Partnerships - Experience Nottinghamshire, Leicester Shire Promotions, Lincolnshire Tourism, Explore Northamptonshire and Derbyshire and the Peak District. These organisations are responsible for managing their sub region as a tourist destination, working with local stakeholders. For more information visit enjoyeastmidlands.com

3. In 2004 2.9 Million people visited the UK from Germany, contributing 835 million pounds to the national economy. Key areas of interst for visiotrs include historic hosues and gardens, food and drink and the outdoors. (VisitBritain)