§ Mr. BentonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the work of regional development agencies in developing tourism in Bootle. [177713]
§ Mr. CabornThe North West Development Agency (NWDA) is working closely with The Mersey Partnership (TMP), the nominated Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Merseyside. DMOs are effectively mini tourist boards that will ensure a strong visitor and market focus to all that is done within the region, and aim to strengthen the connection that exists within the region between businesses and other organisations that make up the tourism sector.
During 2003–04 TMP received £320,000 from the NWDA's marketing image budget for tourism and investment campaigns to promote Merseyside. £419,000 was also provided from the NWDA's tourism budget for a variety of projects.
407WIn addition the NWDA's Merseyside area office has supported a programme for the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park, which covers an area from Southport to Wirral. The NWDA is also investing £268,348 from the Environmental Regeneration Programme to Sefton council to create New Public Realm along Stanley road in Bootle town centre. The new works will provide Bootle with an identity, which will encourage future investment in the area.