WITH the coming year set to see record numbers of visitors to tourist attractions across the country, the Minister for Tourism and Sport was in town to take a look at one of the Black Country’s most visited destinations.

Helen Grant MP was in Wordsley on Friday, visiting the Red House Glass Cone, in her bid to promote local tourism.

The Conservative minister took a guided tour of the facility, which also involved a signature lesson in glass blowing from resident expert Melissa Nicholls.

Mrs Grant said: “It’s been very interesting. A super place to come and find out more about glass blowing and the history it has in this area.

“This is a very special part of the country as there is so much to do, and goes to show that there is a really good offer for tourists who venture outside of the capital.”

Taking part in a whistle stop tour of the country’s attractions, Mrs Grant said the Government wants to bring the benefits of a “tourism boom” to the rest of the country – not just those living in London.

“2015 is set to see record visitor numbers and record spend,” she said.

“We believe we are to see 35 million visitors to our national tourist attractions who will spend around £2 billion and we want the whole of our country – the whole of Britain – to benefit.

“The tourism industry is currently supporting 3.2 million jobs and provides £127 billion for the economy and is therefore an important part of our long-term economic plan.”

Mrs Grant was joined in Wordsley by Conservative parliamentary candidate for Dudley South, Mike Wood, who expressed his pride in the area's industrial heritage.

“We’re extremely proud of our industrial heritage,” he said.

“It’s the birthplace of the industrial revolution and particularly for this part of Dudley borough, the Stourbridge and Brierley Hill glass making industry was very much at the centre of the Black Country’s development.

“To see how traditional methods are still used by the skilled craftsmen is obviously an important way to preserve our heritage, but also to recognise the role the traditional industry still has on the modern economy.”

Red House Glass Cone is open from 10am until 4pm every day and offers free entry. For more information visit www.redhousecone.co.uk