Tourism Minister Shaun Woodward has launched a series of workshops to bring together town planners and the tourism industry today.

The workshops will promote the Government’s Good Practice Guide on Planning for Tourism which aims to promote the value of local tourism industries with planners and give the tourism industry a better idea of how planners work.

It is hoped the scheme will also encourage environmentally friendly development.

Woodward said: “This is a great opportunity to share what does or doesn’t work, what could be improved and to encourage suggestions from stakeholders on how this can be achieved.”

He added: “This is particularly important as we prepare to maximize the opportunities that the 2012 Games will offer.”

The workshops will take place in eight towns and cities over the next few months.

Confirmed dates for future workshops are 16 July in Bolton and 23 July in Bristol. Further dates will be announced in due course with the final event taking place in London in the Autumn.

The next event is on 16 July 2007, 10am to 1pm Reebok Stadium, Bolton (In partnership with the Northwest Regional Development Agency). If you are interested in attending, or for further information, please contact Matthew Smith at matthew.smith@culture.gsi.gov.uk, or call 020 7211 6328.

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By Emily Manson

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