English Tourism Week 2026

English Tourism Week starts on Friday 13 March, running until Sunday 22 March! VisitEngland’s national celebration of the Tourism and Hospitality industry is one of the highlights of our calendar and there’s loads planned, including the launch of our new five year plan on Monday!

This year’s theme for the week is ‘Local Stories, National Growth’ and we will be showcasing just how our amazing local tourism hotspots contribute to the national picture.

We’ve got a few more things planned, including events across Leicestershire, so keep an eye out for more information and updates across our social media throughout the week!

Leicester is a colourful, cultural and historic city in the East Midlands, beautifully framed by the rolling green fields, waterways, and idyllic towns and villages of the Leicestershire countryside. A thriving food scene offers delicious food and drink from around the world.

For two millennia, this most welcoming city and county has made space for new arrivals. Communities from the Romans onwards have all left their indelible mark on the area, with history that defines and tells the story of England better than anywhere.

From leading conservation at Twycross Zoo to transformational technology at the National Space Centre – from the young and ancient woodlands of the National Forest and Charnwood to the city’s vibrant arts and culture – there is so much to uncover, explore, and enjoy.

Building on 5 years of success, which has seen the tourism economy in Leicester and Leicestershire grow to £2.5 billion per year, Visit Leicester is launching a new 5 year plan for tourism success.

The Tourism Growth Plan should result in more people visiting and enjoying our region, more customers for local businesses, and more money coming into the local economy.

The plan will  be officially launched on Monday 16 March at the Jewry Wall Roman Museum in Leicester and we will bring you all the info via our social media and here on our website!

As you will no doubt know by now, our Leicester Festivals and Events Team are up for the VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award. This is the fourth time in five years a Leicestershire entry has reached the final 10 and this time we would love to see them win. Please vote at the link below and share with everyone you know! The voting closes on Sunday 22 March and the winner will be announced shortly after that date.

VOTE BEFORE THE 22 MARCH

It’s the perfect time to celebrate Leicester and Leicestershire’s fantastic food scene! For the past two years Leicester has held the title of England Curry Capital, but all things ass and voting is again open to see who has the best Biryani, the perfect Phal and the most delicious Dosa. Leicester is again in the running, against London, Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester. Please vote and share as this title has given a massive boost to our restaurants and businesses!

VOTE HERE NOW

During the week there are a number of events taking place which showcase the best of tourism in Leicestershire.

Tuesday 17 March: LPL are holding the Leicestershire Tourism Forum at Twycross Zoo. This is a chance for businesses and attractions to share best practice and hear what’s happening in the sector. Book a place here

Wednesday 18 March: Visit Blaby are holding an Active Travel event at Everards Meadows, with a showcase of e-bikes and Cycle Routes across the district.