Boost for rural tourism hit by floods and foot and mouth
A package of aid has been offered to UK tourism facilities hit by recent flooding, as well as the foot-and-mouth outbreak
Cultural secretary James Purnell announced a package of aid to help market Britain’s rural tourism industry – estimated to be worth almost £14 billion a year.
Initially, £1 million will be offered to boost and support rural tourism in England, Purnell confirmed the funding at a meeting of tourism chiefs in London. There will be £750,000 given to VisitBritain, to promote rural destinations and visitor attractions which are vital to the economic health of local communities.
The package, supplemented by £250,000 from VisitBritain’s existing budgets, will fund a targeted marketing campaign for the regions of England and businesses such as B&Bs, caravan parks and attractions. The campaign will begin this weekend.
Purnell said: “Britain is open for business. Right across the UK there are fantastic cultural and tourist attractions putting on high quality events.
“This £1 milliom cash injection from Government and VisitBritain will help promote England’s many great destinations.
“I want to remind people across the country of the wealth of world class cultural and leisure opportunities on our doorsteps. You don’t need to go far to have a great day out.
“And we’ll be making sure that overseas visitors are reminded just how much there is to do in Britain.”
Tom Wright, chief executive of VisitBritain, said: “Government commitment to additional marketing funds comes at an opportune time for England and particularly rural destinations.
“It enables us to implement high profile activities on a larger scale and remind potential visitors of the appeals of a rural escape and that our tourism businesses remain open for business.”
Phil Davies
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