Rural Tourism in the South East

FOREWORD
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is pleased to be taking forward actions from the
Government’s Rural White Paper, published in November 2000, together with the Countryside Agency
and the Government Office for the South East. This draft Rural Tourism in the South East, A Strategy
for Future Action, A Consultation Draft has come through SEEDA’s Tourism Sector Group and has been
supported by the Tourist Boards. The sector is critical to the economy of the region and, after the
consultation period, the agreed strategy will form part of the Regional Economic Strategy.
Tourism has been through a very difficult time last year. Lack of visitors and visitor spend has had a
devastating impact on the tourism industry in the region, even though we had only a small number of
cases of Foot and Mouth. The industry has been further hit by the events of September 11th.
The whole industry is undergoing change in its support structures and this report must be seen as part of
the wider future framework for the industry in the region, for both urban and rural areas.
This draft strategy recognises the great rural assets in the region and suggests how we can build on these
and set out our priorities for action, looking ahead over the next five years.
This is a consultation document and we welcome your views.
Anthony Dunnett
Chief Executive
South East England Development Agency
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