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Written question asked by Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 3 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 April 2025 (named day). It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 April 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Public Footpaths

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2025 to Question 40119 on Members: Correspondence, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of a reduction in access to UK’s National Trails on the work of (a) VisitBritain and (b) VisitEngland.

Answer

DCMS has not specifically undertaken a formal assessment of the impact of any potential reduction in access to the UK’s National Trails on the work of VisitBritain or VisitEngland.

However, we recognise that access to National Trails plays a role in supporting rural tourism and promoting the natural and cultural assets of England, which are central to the work of VisitEngland. VisitBritain also promotes outdoor and nature-based tourism as part of its international marketing activity to showcase the UK’s diverse visitor offer.

While responsibility for public access and National Trails policy rests with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), DCMS continues to work closely with Local Visitor Economy Partnerships, including Experience Oxfordshire, to ensure England’s natural landscapes can support the growth of a sustainable and resilient visitor economy.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
44078
Session
2024-26
Related items
Members: Correspondence
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Public footpaths VisitEngland VisitBritain
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk