§ Baroness Anelay of St Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which regional development agencies are giving practical and financial support to initiatives which aim to generate domestic tourism; and what is the nature of that support. [HL1386]
§ The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Blackstone)All regional development agencies (RDAs) are essential partners in implementing the Government's economic and regeneration policy for regional development. As such, they are increasingly involved in promoting the tourism industry. Recent draft RDA corporate planning guidance requires them to liaise with regional tourist boards (RTBs) and co-operate in the production of regional tourism strategies. This co-ordination will ensure that tourism represents a vital, growing element of the regional economies.
The nature of RDA support is broad. For example, during the foot and mouth outbreak RDAs have provided assistance to rural businesses, including tourism, through a government funded £74 million recovery fund. Affected small businesses were eligible for assistance, such as marketing support, business advice and grants to help meet interest payments on bank loans.