Ministers and officials have had various discussions about tourism in the north-west in recent months, in particular with the North West Regional Development Agency, the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board and the Liverpool Culture Company. I visited Chester on 25 February and met a range of people from the public and private tourism sectors to discuss their plans for the future. I have also had many discussions with VisitBritain about its role in promoting tourism in the whole of Britain, including the north-west.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is due to participate in the Local Government Association's Culture, Tourism and Sport Conference in Liverpool on 14 March. I plan to visit Cumbria on 17 March to meet representatives of Cumbria Tourism.