VisitEngland has launched its Strategic Tourism Framework, aimed at growing the country's tourism industry.

The framework is the first such scheme launched in the past ten years and has been developed in collaboration with organisations and individuals across both private and public sectors.

The framework highlights the action needed to maximize the tourism industry's contribution to England's economy and aims to set out the ways in which the tourism industry can work together to realise the headline ambition of growth year on year, over the next decade.

The strategy is based on four "pillars" under which individual initiatives will be developed - to increase England's share of the global visitor market; to offer compelling destinations of distinction; to champion a successful, thriving industry; and yo facilitate greater engagement between the visitor and the experience.

Lady Cobham, chair of VisitEngland, said: "The Strategic Framework urges all areas of the Tourism industry as well as everyone in Westminster and Whitehall to play their part in helping England realise the potential £50billion.

"The industry has jobs to offer and it is time to stand up and all play a part in shaping the future that this industry deserves. VisitEngland has been incredibly encouraged by the renewed enthusiasm for English Tourism and looks forward to this continuing".