HL Deb 17 March 2000 vol 610 c236WA
Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many regional tourist boards currently work to the strategic areas defined by the boundaries of the regional development agencies; and what changes, if any, will occur to the boundaries of the regional tourist boards after 1 April 2000. [HL1417]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

There are 10 regional tourist boards (RTBs). Six currently work to the strategic areas defined by the boundaries of the regional development agencies (RDAs). By 1 April, arrangements will be in place for all the RTBs to work to RDA boundaries for strategic development. The two main changes are that South West Tourism will take the lead for the whole south-west region, including Dorset and Wiltshire (currently covered by Southern RTB) and Gloucestershire (currently covered by Heart of England RTB): and the Heart of England will include Lincolnshire (currently covered by East of England RTB), so it can work to East Midlands RDA boundaries. However, it is important to add that for tourism marketing activities the RTBs will work to whatever areas make sense for the consumer.