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Hotels: West Dorset

Asked by Edward MorelloLiberal DemocratDepartment for Culture, Media and SportTabled Answered 7 July 2026UIN 14258

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of tourism sector challenges facing hotels in West Dorset.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock

DCMS maintains an ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, industry partners, and the Visitor Economy Advisory Council to closely monitor and address the challenges facing the tourism and hospitality sectors, including hotels in West Dorset.

To support these vital businesses, the Government is delivering targeted measures, including permanently lower business rates for eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure properties from 2026-27. This tax relief is worth nearly £900 million annually and will benefit over 750,000 properties. The Government is also reviewing the valuation methodologies for hotels and pubs to ensure a fairer business rates system.

At a local level, DCMS works alongside VisitEngland, Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs), and industry leaders to drive year-round growth. Visit Dorset LVEP is central to this strategy, connecting people and communities by maximizing the regional economic impact of tourism.

Crucially, Dorset’s unique stories and landscapes are being championed on the global stage. The Jurassic Coast is a feature of VisitBritain’s international ‘Starring GB’ campaign, which leverages the power of screen tourism to drive destination bookings. This is supported domestically by VisitEngland’s ‘My coast has the most…’ campaign, which empowers local accommodation providers to showcase their unique coastlines, boosting off-peak staycations and ensuring West Dorset’s hotels thrive throughout the year.

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