BTA in move to dispel foot and mouth myths

Up-to-date information

BTA in move to dispel foot and mouth myths

Report by KIRSTENBOWLING

misconceptions about the disease. Therefore, it needs regular feedback from the regions.

BTA chairman David Quarmby said:”We want to make sure that correct information is given to visitors and we would be glad to know of any special offers or promotions operators are doing.

“We also want attractions to let their regional or area tourist board know whether they are open or closed for business.”

Operators and attractions can e-mail details of any special deals or offers they are running to: recovery@bta.org.uk.

In addition the East of England Tourist Board has launched 121 ideas for visitors to the region on its website, which can be found at: www.eastofenglandtouristboard.com.

It includes a full list of attractions in each area and details of when they are open as well as the latest advice to visitors from the chief veterinary officer.

The EnglishTourism Council has also set up a foot and mouth information hotline on 0870-241 5659.

Meanwhile, Andy Reed , parliamentary private secretary for the department for culture, media and sport, said: “Sometimes it takes a crisis to make people realise how important something is and we are all working together in order to raise the profile of the countryside.”

THEBRITISHTourist Authority is calling on national tourism bodies and attractions to keep it informed about any developments in their areas during the current foot and mouth crisis.

The BTA aims to offer accurate up-to-date information to overseas tourist offices about what visitors can do or see in Britain and correct some of the misconceptions about the disease. Therefore, it needs regular feedback from the regions.

BTA chairman David Quarmby said:”We want to make sure that correct information is given to visitors and we would be glad to know of any special offers or promotions operators are doing.

“We also want attractions to let their regional or area tourist board know whether they are open or closed for business.”

Operators and attractions can e-mail details of any special deals or offers they are running to: recovery@bta.org.uk.

In addition the East of England Tourist Board has launched 121 ideas for visitors to the region on its website, which can be found at: www.eastofenglandtouristboard.com.

It includes a full list of attractions in each area and details of when they are open as well as the latest advice to visitors from the chief veterinary officer.

The EnglishTourism Council has also set up a foot and mouth information hotline on 0870-241 5659.

Meanwhile, Andy Reed , parliamentary private secretary for the department for culture, media and sport, said: “Sometimes it takes a crisis to make people realise how important something is and we are all working together in order to raise the profile of the countryside.”