UK tourism leaders back efforts to limit foot and mouth
UK tourism leaders have backed government measures to try and prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease following two outbreaks in Surrey, meeting culture secretary James Purnell, whose department has ultimate responsibility for UK tourism, to brief him and share intelligence about the impact of the outbreaks on rural tourism and farming communities.
Tourism contributes £15 billion to the rural economy and is responsible for 400,000 jobs, according to VisitBritain.
A statement from the national tourism agency said the industry is not currently expecting any impact on tourism and expressed its thanks that Government was united in informing potential holidaymakers that Britain remains open for business.
Fifteen ministers are visiting rural and outdoor attractions throughout the country this week to show their support for tourism businesses and the rural economy.
They will reiterate that there is nothing to prevent people travelling into and enjoying the countryside.
VisitBritain continues to monitor international reaction to the outbreaks through its network of offices.
Purnell said: “Of course we need to take all the measures necessary to deal with the outbreak in the protection zone, but it’s worth remembering that it’s less than one hundredth of one per cent of the UK.
“Millions of people, from the UK and overseas, are enjoying holidays in our towns, cities and countryside and will continue to do so.”
Report by Phil Davies
John Alwyn-Jones
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