The U.K. launched its first tourism-sector deal, designed to prepare the country for an expected increase of 9 million visitors per year.
The deal will include a commitment to build 130,000 hotel rooms by 2025, 75% of which will be built outside of London.
There also will be a new tourism data hub, which will collate regularly updated data showing the latest trends and spends, with the aim of allowing businesses to better target overseas visitors.
In addition, more than $315 million is being earmarked to improve broadband connectivity in conferences centers across the U.K. for business visitors.
The deal will support the creation of an additional 10,000 apprenticeships for people building careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The U.K. is also committing to improving facilities and access to destinations across the country for travelers with disabilities.
A pilot of up to five Tourism Zones are being created to drive visitor numbers across the country, each of which will receive government support for initiatives like targeted support for product and promotion development, mentoring support to businesses and digital skills training.
"As part of the tourism deal, new Tourism Zones will deliver a direct boost to holiday destinations across the country, helping create new jobs as well as supporting improvements in transport connections," said Greg Clark, the U.K.'s business secretary.
Tourism plays a vital role in the U.K. economy, with nearly 2 million people employed in the industry across the country and $29 billion spent by visitors in the U.K. last year.