Chester MP Christine Russell toured Chester Zoo - the most visited wildlife attraction in the UK - this week to mark British Tourism Week, a VisitBritain initiative now in its fourth year, which puts the visitor economy under the spotlight and highlights the contribution it makes to the life of local residents.

While being shown round the Zoo by Simon Mann, Development Director, Mrs Russell heard further details of the Zoo’s planning application for its Natural Vision project, part of Chester Zoo’s £225 million long term master plan that will see it become the largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction of its kind in Europe.

Mrs Russell said: “We are so lucky to be able to enjoy this fantastic facility right on our own doorstep here in Chester. The number of visitors it brings here, not to mention the number of local people who are employed in the Zoo, means it plays a vital role in our local economy.”

Simon Mann said: Chester Zoo is already the UK’s number 1 wildlife attraction and our ambitious expansion plans over the next 15 years will see us recognised as one of the world’s leading zoological and conservation organisations.”

Chris Brown, Chief Executive of Visit Chester & Cheshire, who accompanied Mrs Russell during the visit, added: “Over one million visitors per year visit Chester Zoo, which is one of the most well-known of our host of attractions in Chester and Cheshire. Its importance to the regional visitor economy as a whole cannot be overstated. It brings hundreds of thousands of visitors into the region from all over the UK and abroad and is one is the most popular days out for local residents too. Its plans for the future will provide numerous further opportunities to boost the economy throughout the region.”

To mark British Tourism Week (15th – 21st March), Visit Chester & Cheshire has been inviting residents to join them in celebrating the success of the regional visitor economy and local attractions, such as Chester Zoo, by teaming up with a variety of local tourism businesses to give residents a range of exclusive offers to help the community rediscover what’s on their doorstep.