CA gave evidence to EFRA select committee on rural tourism

Countryside Alliance Head of Policy Sarah Lee today gave evidence at an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee hearing at Parliament. The committee is holding an ongoing enquiry into ways to strengthen the English tourism sector. Sarah submitted evidence ahead of the oral session, specifically tourism linked to country sports and English produce*. You can read her evidence here. The committee is chaired by Neil Parish MP and our Chairman, Simon Hart MP, is also a member.

Giving evidence alongside Sarah were representatives from the Tourism Alliance, British Destinations, Devon Farm Holidays, the National Farmers' Union and the Country Land and Business Association.

On launching the enquiry in July, Neil Parish MP, Chair of the EFRA Committee, said: "Tourism in rural areas creates job opportunities and supports the economic viability of communities. At a time in which volatile agricultural prices and depopulation threaten businesses and rural services, we are asking how effectively public programmes and government policies support these areas to stay competitive in a global industry. We will also be asking how we can work to make the growth of countryside and coastal tourism sustainable, balancing economic, social and environmental interests."

*NB the ongoing enquiry, of which today's session is a part, is concerned with tourism in England only.

Read an article by Sarah Lee which appeared in our Autumn 2016 magazine as this enquiry was announced.