The process for identifying these ‘super-destinations’ or ‘attack brands’ which can attract and hold visitors’ interest for a stay lasting a week or more, is outlined in the section on ‘ New Industry-Led Tourism Bodies. In many cases these areas will work strongly alongside, or match exactly, the newly-emerging Local Enterprise Partnerships or existing Local Authorities, and some (such as Yorkshire, the Peak District, the Cotswolds or Cornwall) are being planned or are underway already.
• We must make it easier and more convenient for visitors to reach other parts of the country. This is a major issue for many inbound foreign tourists, because of the hugely superior international air, sea and rail links in the southeast. Put simply, for most foreign visitors London is the closest and most compelling destination they encounter when they first set foot on British soil. Fortunately the Government has already announced it is seeking to create the right conditions for regional airports to flourish, and to support a national high speed rail network to connect Heathrow and the Channel Tunnel to the rest of the country more quickly and conveniently in future. We must also ensure that once in areas outside London, tourists are able to get to destinations of interest, be they sporting venues, our beautiful countryside or our coast.