The initial findings of  a Defra scoping study in to proposals for a tourism and transport project have now been issued.

The studies initial conclusions are that, “the consultation revealed considerable enthusiasm for promoting partnership working among key stakeholders, at a national and local level, to develop integrated transport systems.  Following the consultation, Defra also undertook some preliminary work on the evidence for the contribution of integrated transport to the growth of tourism, rural economies and the national economy. We discussed our initial findings at a National Rural Tourism Partnership meeting on 24^th February and this is likely to be discussed at future meetings.  In the meantime, you may be interested in the summary of our key findings”.  These are:

RURAL TOURISM AND INTEGRATED TRANSPORT

KEY FINDINGS FROM DEFRA’S PRELIMINARY CONSULTATION AND EVIDENCE SURVEY

• There is currently weak evidence on the direct contribution of integrated transport to the growth of rural tourism and local economies.  A case study review identified some evidence of direct benefits to local economies but these pockets of evidence are not widely shared across the relevant stakeholders.
• There is a need to influence key local partners, particularly Local Authorities, and make the case for the benefits of integrated transport systems to local economies,
• The issues raised, and the partnerships that need to be in place, go much wider than rural concerns to ensure integrated systems have the potential to benefit the national economy and attract urban visitors to rural areas.
• There is a need for closer working between the tourism industry, Visit England, LEPs, National Parks, AONB partnerships and the relevant Government Departments, which would make it easier to share evidence and case studies.

The original outline brief is accessible here:

PROPOSED DEFRA RURAL TOURISM AND TRANSPORT PROJECT 3 Nov

Notes of the meeting between Peter Hampson and Christina Elms on 10 December can be accessed here:

Notes of Defra Research Project Meeting 10 December Hampson -Elms