A new regional tourism committee has called for businesses to help shape the agenda for tourism in the north west of England.

The Visitor Economy Commission for England's Northwest (VEC) is calling for companies and individuals to get involved as it aims to draw up a new regional tourism strategy.

As part of its plans, VEC has published its first white paper in which it presents the first in a series of strategic issues that the commission will look at over the coming year.

VEC is inviting people to present their views on the white paper. It will then discuss the views at its quarterly meetings - the first which takes place this month (April).

Felicity Goodey, chair VEC, said the committee's ultimate aim is to influence expenditure, practice and policy.

"Over the past ten years the visitor economy has become a major contributor to the economic life of the region," she said.

"It is now worth more than £14bn a year and many hundreds of thousands of people owe their jobs to it. A lot has been achieved but there is more to do if we are to meet the twin challenges of intensive global competition and the economic situation at home.

"The independent Visitor Economy Commission will look objectively at what the region needs to build on its success. It will seek the views of the industry on important issues and won't be afraid to ask the hard questions; it will make recommendations without fear or favour and has a real opportunity to shape the future of the region's visitor economy."