A shadow minister said her party aims to grow domestic tourism if Labour makes it to power in the upcoming general election.

Shadow minister for culture, media and sport Thangam Debbonaire visited sites around Great Yarmouth on Friday to "see first hand what makes the town great".

Eastern Daily Press: Thangam Debbonaire and Keir Cozens in front of the grandstand at the Wellesley Recreation Ground. Picture - James WeedsThangam Debbonaire and Keir Cozens in front of the grandstand at the Wellesley Recreation Ground. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)The shadow minister said if Labour wins the upcoming general election, the aim is to grow local tourism and bolster the renewable energy industry.

"Inbound tourism had seen a bit of a boom just after the Covid crisis," she said. 

"I think increasingly, people will see more inbound tourism if we promote it right. It's a hidden gem."

"You don't have to get on a plane, or a boat or the Eurostar, you can get there by bus, train or car. And we want to make that better."

Eastern Daily Press: Great Yarmouth Town Football Club's Ian Honeyman shared a bit of the Wellesley's heritage with Thangam Debbonaire and Keir Cozens. Picture - James WeedsGreat Yarmouth Town Football Club's Ian Honeyman shared a bit of the Wellesley's heritage with Thangam Debbonaire and Keir Cozens. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Ms Debonnaire said local authorities needed more resources to ensure local travel routes were maintained to ensure more people could easily access coastal resorts.

She added: "In a town like Great Yarmouth, where you lose oil and fishing, tourism is the third leg of that stool. 

"A lot of the time, towns like Great Yarmouth feel forgotten. And understandably so.

"We see areas like Yarmouth as prime sites for the renewable energy industry, and that is how Labour will grow the economy."

Eastern Daily Press: Shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport Thangam Debbonaire inside Cafe 1903. Picture - James WeedsShadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport Thangam Debbonaire inside Cafe 1903. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Ms Debonnaire said if the economy grows, more people will have money in their pockets. If a Labour government can "get the basics right" and promote towns like Great Yarmouth, they can once again flourish as tourism hotspots.

"Culture is important as it holds the community together and helps people create a sense of pride in where they live," she added. 

"We need to make sure planning law is working, funding is going to the right places, and making sure we grow the economy. We have our priority in growing it everywhere, not just London and the southeast."

The MP said the constituency is a key seat for Labour.