The English Tourism Council (ETC), the Wales Tourist Board and VisitScotland have teamed up to form Tourism UK - a federation for British Tourism, designed to put domestic tourism firmly on the economic and political agenda.

The Federation has committed to deliver a ten-year vision for tourism through co-ordinated research and partnership, and has urged the government to recognise the magnitude of the industry and its potential. It has also requested that the government create and sustain an economic climate in which the quality private sector tourism industry can thrive and prosper.

While the separate views of Wales, Scotland and England are delivered through their respective national tourist boards, the Federation - led by the chairs of the ETC, the Wales Tourist Board and VisitScotland - says the role of strategic leader of the British market has been overlooked.

Tourism UK says it will provide an impartial, intelligent voice to inform and advise on behalf of domestic tourism. Details: +44 (0)1273 666200