Countryside Alliance meets with Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport

The Countryside Alliance has met with Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport to highlight the importance of a vibrant tourism sector in the Welsh Countryside.

Tourism in rural areas has huge potential not only to benefit the national economy, but to sustain local economies, supporting local farmers, producers and making the most of our country's natural assets. The potential areas of growth include food and drink tourism, which can generate year-round tourism, and the opportunities offered by shooting and fishing. Boosting shooting and fishing tourism would not only bolster local economies but also enable more people to get out into the natural environment, making a contribution to the nation's health by increasing physical activity and outdoor recreation.

Rural tourism, properly marketed with flair and imagination to an international audience, is a huge economic opportunity for Wales.

Rachel Evans Director for Wales said: "Rural areas are often entirely dependent on tourism, which supports jobs in some of the remotest parts of Wales. I am looking forward to further meetings with the Minister, to discuss some of the Countryside Alliance's ideas to boost countryside tourism across Wales and contribute to prosperous, sustainable communities."