Tourism: Rural Areas
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support rural tourism businesses.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock
The Government recognises the vital role that tourism businesses play in attracting visitors to rural constituencies and supporting economic growth and local pride.
Our forthcoming Visitor Economy Growth Strategy will highlight the importance of rural and coastal communities to the visitor economy, and DCMS will continue to work closely with VisitBritain, VisitEngland and Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) to ensure that the unique challenges and opportunities of coastal and rural tourism are reflected in national policy.
VisitBritain’s GREAT-funded international marketing campaign, ‘Starring GREAT Britain’, uses the hook of Britain’s rich film and television history to encourage more international visitors to explore across Britain, including many rural destinations.
VisitEngland launched a domestic marketing campaign pilot in February, specifically highlighting the seaside resorts of the North West. This initiative aims to increase the number of visits and overnight stays during the shoulder season, providing year-round custom for rural and coastal tourism businesses.
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