§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to encourage year-round tourism in national parks. [4016]
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeMy Department encourages efforts to promote year-round tourism so as to maximise the economic benefits to, and spread the pressure of visitor numbers on environmentally sensitive areas. The National Park Authorities have a statutory duty to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of their areas by the public. They are 181W encouraged to develop policies for visitor management, in co-operation with local authorities, Tourist Boards and others with tourism or recreational responsibilities in their areas. In doing so they take into account the need to conserve the special qualities of the Parks and the principles for sustainable tourism.