SUFFOLK'S fast growing tourist industry could expand at an even greater pace if a major initiative aimed at more effective marketing pays dividends.External consultants funded by Suffolk Development Agency are due to report in the autumn on how the public and private sectors can sell themselves.

SUFFOLK'S rapidly growing tourist industry could expand at an even greater pace if a major initiative aimed at more effective marketing pays dividends.

External consultants funded by Suffolk Development Agency are due to report in the autumn on how the public and private sectors can better sell themselves. They are expected to offer guidance on promoting the county as a tourist destination with even more success.

More than 400 "hits" a day – 150,000 year – have been registered on the county council's tourism pages on the authority's main internet site since April, now serious consideration is being given to a dedicated site for tourist related information.

The value of tourism to the county's economy is already significant. It accounts for 7 per cent of Suffolk's gross domestic product, generating an estimated £700million to the economy from more than 1,400 businesses.

In a report to be considered by councillors next week, the county's tourism officer Giles Goyder, says that as a source of income and employment, tourism is particularly important in rural and coastal areas.

"The value of tourism was highlighted when the foot and mouth outbreak resulted in visitors staying away from the countryside, with huge impact on the economy," he said.

If recommendations are accepted, they will be put into effect next year to beef up Suffolk's tourist promotions for 2004 and beyond.

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