Rural Tourism Policy
Tourism in rural areas is governed by a range of policies from a number of organisations. Due to the unique nature of the rural tourism product these policies must cover issues as far reaching as farming, agriculture and health.
Below is an overview of those documents which have an impact on the South East's rural tourism sector, these include documents written on both a national and regional basis.
South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) - Building a World Class Region
SEEDA devotes a chapter to building a "World Class Rural Economy". This involves 'Resolving the tension between conservation and economic growth', stating that this must be a priority. "Economic development must be seen as a means of maintaining and enhancing the region's natural assets. This will only be achieved if measures to tackle economic, social and environmental issues are integrated, both in design and delivery."
Tourism South East (TSE) - Strategy for Tourism in the South East
TSE, who has the tourism remit from SEEDA, proposes that 'In the countryside, the main emphasis will be on developing tourism which helps strengthen and diversify the rural economy without overwhelming small communities and sensitive landscapes.'
SEEDA - Rural Tourism Strategy
SEEDA's own policy documents priorities to include promoting outdoor activities such as walking and cycling, making more of local crafts and produce, especially food, improving access and awareness, and improving the quality and professionalism of small-scale accommodation businesses. "TSE is already actively working with partners in this field."
Government Office for the South East (GOSE) - Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food in the South East
Two of the key areas for action identified in the delivery plan for sustainable farming and food in the South East (Farming and Food: Our healthy Future) directly concern the increased provision of access to information about the countryside.
Countryside Agency (CA) - The State of the Countryside (The South East and London)
The CA sets out its belief that increasing numbers of visitors and the growth in tourism and leisure activities offer potential to help reverse the decline in employment in traditional land based industries including agriculture.
England Rural Development Programme (ERDP)
The ERDP indicate "Support to tourism and leisure in the countryside" amongst its priority activities. This priority is specifically described as follows: "The work is seen to contribute to a wide range of South East England Regional Assembly's Rural Development Programme objectives."
Department of Health - The Public Health White Paper (Nov 2004)
Pinpoints the environment as one of the major factors affecting people's health and calls for green spaces and the countryside to be prescribed as part of the 'perfect medicine'. This is backed by English Nature who explain: "There is now overwhelming evidence that nature-rich green spaces, with their seasonal changes and variety of colour stimulate people to enjoy regular physical exercise, breathing fresher air in an attractive environment. They are known to reduce anxiety whether it is by providing pleasant settings in which to enjoy all forms of exercise, or just by being peaceful places to relax."
