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Arts Council England and the national tourist board, VisitEngland, have announced a new partnership to boost cultural tourism in England.

By working together to coordinate activity, Arts Council England and VisitEngland will grow the value of tourism by championing England’s cultural offer, stimulating local jobs and ensuring the sustainability of the cultural sector around the country.

The partnership statement sets out how Arts Council England and VisitEngland will work together. A key priority will be to encourage and support destinations that have real potential to grow and improve cultural tourism.

Arts Council Lottery funding of £3 million will be available to local culture and tourism partnerships. This fund, due to launch this summer, aims to encourage the development of arts and cultural experiences and targeted holiday packages for visitors that include cultural aspects as well as more traditional accommodation and transport elements.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller said: 

‘Our country is renowned around the world as a top cultural tourist destination - with iconic heritage sites, museums and theatres; the industry has a strong role to play in our economic growth. It makes sense that our cultural and tourist industries join forces, as in many cases they are two sides of the same coin.’ 

Download the Partnership statement 

Download the transcript of the partnership announcement

Listen to or download the podcast of the partnership announcement